TOKYO, November 2025 — Experts and policymakers convened in Tokyo last month at a forum hosted by the International High-speed Rail Association (IHRA) to discuss the future of high-speed rail. Attendees acknowledged the substantial construction costs and long timelines associated with these projects while emphasizing their critical role in driving global economic growth and supporting decarbonization goals.

The consensus was that, despite the high investment required, high-speed rail networks are set to expand worldwide. These systems are seen as a key catalyst for growth, particularly in emerging economies where efficient mass transit solutions are in high demand.

A notable trend highlighted at the forum is the potential for high-speed rail to act as a significant engine of economic expansion in developing nations. Historical examples, such as Japan’s Shinkansen — the world’s first high-speed railway introduced in 1964 demonstrate how such infrastructure can drive rapid economic development, as Japan experienced during the 1970s and 1980s.

Former Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba emphasized that high-speed rail is expected to spread more broadly, serving as a vital growth driver for emerging economies. The forum also featured insights from figures like Achal Khare, former managing director at India’s National High Speed Rail Corporation, highlighting the global interest and strategic importance of these advanced rail systems for future infrastructure and sustainable development.

Source: The Japan Times