Key Facts
• Hokuriku Railway Ishikawa Line marks 110 years on June 22, 2025.
• Opened in 1915 as Ishikawa Electric Railway, spanning 11.7 km.
• Current route connects Nomachi Station (Kanazawa) to Tsurugi Station (Hakusan), covering 13.8 km.
• 1916: Horse-drawn railway by Kinno Railway extended to Nishikanazawa.
• 1921-1922: Standardized track width and electrification enabled direct operations.
• 1943: Wartime consolidation formed Hokuriku Railway Ishikawa Line.
• Sections closed: Nomachi to Shiragikuchō (1972) and Tsurugi to Kaga Ichinomiya (2009).
• 2018: Heavy snowfall caused a two-day suspension of Ishikawa Line services.
• April 2025: Local governments began funding maintenance under a “quasi-separation” model.
• Upcoming: New train models expected in a few years, first since 1982.
• Efforts continue to enhance user experience, including touch payment systems by fiscal year-end.
Summary
The Hokuriku Railway Ishikawa Line, connecting Kanazawa and Hakusan, celebrates its 110th anniversary. Originally opened in 1915 as Ishikawa Electric Railway, the line has undergone significant changes, including track standardization, electrification, and route adjustments. Despite challenges like heavy snowfall in 2018 and ongoing financial deficits, the line remains vital for local commuters. Recent efforts to sustain operations include government-backed maintenance funding and plans for new train models. The railway continues to adapt, aiming to enhance user experience and preserve its legacy.
