Etsumi-Nan Line


The Etsumi-Nan Line is a railway line in Gifu Prefecture, Japan, operated by the third-sector operator Nagaragawa Railway. The line connects Mino-Ōta Station in Minokamo with Hokunō Station in Gujō. It is the only railway line operated by the Nagaragawa Railway. The line was originally operated by Japanese National Railways. JNR planned to connect the Etsumi-Nan Line and Etsumi-Hoku Line, but the plan was never realized. The north line was later succeeded by West Japan Railway Company, while the south line was taken by Nagaragawa Railway, a newly founded third-sector company, in 1986. As the company name suggests, the line runs along Nagara River. As a consequence of Japan's declining population and frequent natural disasters, the company is facing financial difficulties.

Stations

Rolling stock

From spring 2016, two of the line's Nagara 300 series diesel cars are scheduled to be rebuilt as a Nagara sightseeing train. The rebuilding work on the two cars will be overseen by Don Design Associates, headed by industrial designer Eiji Mitooka.

History

The Mino-Ota to Mino-Shi section opened on 5 October 1923, and the line was then progressively extended, reaching Hokuno in 1934. Freight services ceased in 1974.