Fujikyu Railway Kotobuki Station Passing Facility to be Completed in Dec 2027

Fujisanroku Electric Railway Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Fujikawaguchiko, Yamanashi Prefecture; President: Kenichi Ishii), part of the Fujikyu Group, is developing new passing facilities at Kotobuki Station as part of Fujikyu's 100th-anniversary project. The project involves installing new tracks and a platform, with a target completion date of late December 2027.

The Fujikyu Railway line is a 26.6km single-track line between Otsuki and Kawaguchi-ko, currently operating with passing points at eight intermediate stations. By establishing Kotobuki Station as a new passing point, the company aims to improve convenience for local residents, accommodate the increasing number of inbound tourists, strengthen transport capacity, and enable more flexible scheduling.

Kotobuki Station, which previously had only one platform on a single track, will be upgraded to a two-platform, two-track station. This will allow for increased train frequency across the line. In the March 2028 timetable revision, the company plans to increase the frequency from the current two trains per hour to approximately three, especially during hours with high tourist traffic.

Furthermore, the additional capacity will allow for more flexible scheduling of temporary trains for local events and better operational adjustments during delays, improving punctuality and stability. Waiting times for transfers to JR Chuo Main Line limited express trains at Otsuki Station are also expected to decrease, reducing travel stress for passengers.

Construction is scheduled to begin on February 2, 2026, and finish at the end of December 2027. Positioned as a 100th-anniversary project for Fujikyu, the company aims to continue strengthening transport capacity to tourist destinations and providing a convenient and comfortable rail service as a vital local transport link.

Overview of Kotobuki Station Passing Facility: 1. Details: (1) Construction of a side platform (valid length: 82m) (2) 300m of track construction, installation of 2 turnouts (points) and related equipment (3) Installation of signaling equipment, ATS (Automatic Train Stop), and a new station crossing (4) New utility poles and overhead lines 2. Total Project Cost: Approx. 950 million yen (fully self-funded) 3. Schedule (Planned): (1) Completion: Late December 2027 (2) Test run: Mid-January 2028 *Schedule subject to change based on progress.

Expected Benefits: 1. Increased train frequency from the March 2028 timetable revision. 2. Improved flexibility for temporary train operations and delay adjustments.