Japanese official: Expanding railways alone not enough for urban growth

Expanding railway networks alone is not sufficient to develop urban areas, Itsuhiro Miura, Deputy Director-General of the Urban and Housing Department at Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, said during an event held within the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku, Report informs.

Miura mentioned that Tokyo is one of the most congested cities, yet its highly developed railway system helps manage mobility effectively during peak hours. However, he stressed that Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) is essential to ensure sustainable urban growth.

The official added that one example of this approach is the development of Nagayama City, located about 30 kilometers from central Tokyo: "Around 20 years ago, this area was entirely agricultural. With the opening of a new railway line, it transformed into an urban community in harmony with rich nature. Thanks to close cooperation between local authorities and private sector partners, the city developed into one of the best communities for families, particularly supporting childcare, which encouraged many young families to move there."

He also highlighted another example - a large-scale construction project near Osaka Station, the central hub of Western Japan: "This area was once a 24-hectare unused freight station. Through public-private partnership, it has now been redeveloped into a major economic center with extensive green spaces in the heart of the city."