Joetsu Line | |||
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An E129 series EMU at Echigo-Nakazato Station in April 2016
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Overview | |||
Native name | 上越線 | ||
Type | Heavy rail | ||
Locale | Gunma, Niigata prefectures | ||
Termini |
Takasaki Miyauchi |
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Stations | 34 | ||
Operation | |||
Opened | 1920 | ||
Operator(s) | JR East | ||
Technical | |||
Line length | 162.6 km (101.03 mi) | ||
Track gauge | 3 ft 6 in (1,067 mm) | ||
Electrification | 1,500 V DC overhead catenary | ||
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The Joetsu Line (上越線 Jōetsu-sen?) is a major railway line in Japan, owned by the East Japan Railway Company (JR East). It connects Takasaki Station in Gunma Prefecture with Miyauchi Station in Niigata Prefecture, linking the northwestern Kanto region and the Sea of Japan coast of the Chūbu region. The name refers to the old provinces of Kōzuke (上野) and Echigo (越後), which the line connects.
Before the opening of the Joetsu Shinkansen in 1982, the Joetsu Line had frequent service by express trains connecting Tokyo and Niigata. With the opening of the Jōetsu Shinkansen, however, the line became dominated by local and freight trains.
The branch of the Joetsu Shinkansen between Echigo-Yuzawa Station and Gala-Yuzawa Station (the Gala-Yuzawa Line) technically belongs to the Joetsu Line.
Four-car 211 series EMUs entered service on the section between Takasaki and Minakami from 23 August 2016.