1. 31 Mar 2026 Administrative Guidance
| Authority | |
|---|---|
| Law / type | Railway Business Act / Administrative Guidance |
| Summary | Between October 14-16 and November 4-6, 2025, the Shizuoka District Transport Bureau conducted a safety audit of Oigawa Railway Co., Ltd. (corporate number 1080001013422), headquartered in Shimada City, Shizuoka Prefecture. The audit revealed several issues requiring improvement, including: 1. Railway facilities such as the easing curve between Kanaya Station and Ieyama Station, retaining wall near 0.8 km mark between Kanaya and Shin-Kanaya stations, and the platform canopy at Ieyama Station do not match construction plans. The company is instructed to undertake procedures under Article 12 of the Railway Business Act, improve staff training and internal verification systems, and report measures by May 1, 2026. 2. Regular inspections per Article 41 of the Civil Engineering Standards (Implementation Standards) revealed that: - Divergence in switch track alignment exceeding standards was not corrected. - Excessive clearance in track gauge was not addressed. - Platform at Kawane Onsen Sasamada Station was not repaired despite obstructing the building limit. The company must promptly carry out necessary maintenance, ensure proper facility management, and establish a system for compliance. 3. Some sideline tracks at Shin-Kanaya Station were not inspected for track misalignment, rail condition, or switch devices. The company must ensure regular inspections or cease use as appropriate. 4. Tunnel assessments classified as 'AA' and 'A1' were confirmed to be in stable condition after on-site checks, and no restrictions on use are necessary. The company should re-evaluate all tunnels and establish proper maintenance systems. 5. The recurrence prevention measures for a train separation incident on January 30, 2010, have not been properly implemented. The company must take necessary actions to prevent future incidents. 6. Changes made on September 3, 2010, to vehicle standards regarding inspection items for coupling devices were not reflected in current management, and inspections have not been conducted. The standards must be properly managed and inspections enforced. 7. Some onboard equipment, such as displays of station names and operational info on 6000 series trains, was found malfunctioning. Corrective measures are required. 8. Inspections of train vehicles revealed missing or incomplete checks on electrical equipment, bogies, and couplings. The company must organize and perform all necessary inspections. 9. The height of couplers during comprehensive vehicle inspections was not verified against design specifications, impairing inspection accuracy. The company must ensure proper verification and establish a suitable inspection system. The company is instructed to investigate root causes, implement corrective actions, and report by May 1, 2026, to ensure ongoing safety and compliance. |
| Source | https://www.mlit.go.jp/nega-inf/cgi-bin/search.cgi?jigyoubunya=tetudou&EID=search&no=242 |