3. Appropriate Maintenance, Renewal and Effective Use of Existing Facilities We are now faced with the situation of an ever-increasing difficulty in terms of new investment as the investment environment of the state and public continues to grow more severe. Where possible, it is imperative that demands are answered by making more effective use of existing facilities. As such, the largest issue apparent is the effective use of existing facilities through the creation of a user-environment and the improvement of functions through additional effective investment which uses new technology. Furthermore, as the number of aging facilities increases, so to does the necessity to renew and maintain them in an appropriate manner. It is vital that efforts are made to reduce renewal and maintenance using an array of new technology including IT and taking full measures in the renewal mechanism in a planned way regarding maintenance and life extension. <Proposal> In order to encourage the appropriate maintenance, renewal and effective use of existing facilities, the following policies will be promoted: - Press ahead with the speeding up of the arterial railway lines through the development and introduction of a free gauge train that makes the direct operation of existing lines and Shinkansen possible. - Make large improvements in terms of service and effective use of ports and harbors through activities such as the speeding up of the information system, a 24 hour fully operational system and the enhancement of quays that respond to the larger scale of ships and vessels. - Conduct the expansion traffic capacity and improvement of air transport convenience by reviewing air routes, airspace and operation hours of airports - Press ahead with the development of condition monitoring technology and quantitative evaluation style remaining life evaluation methods that contributes to the prevention of accidents and extend the life span of transportation infrastructure. Simultaneously, promote the development of technology in order to minimize the human burden connected to maintenance and management.

	Free Gauge Train (Gauge Variable Train) Technology Development
	In order to make it possible to directly operate the gauge differing city railways -namely the bullet trains and existing lines- we are currently developing technology in which the distance of the wheels on the trains can be altered.
	The Mechanism in Altering Gauges

	Container Terminal Water Deepening and High Standardization
	For port and harbor facilities that have eroded due the largeness of ships and vessels used and the aging of the facilities, it is imperative that effective use of existing facilities takes place and the appropriate improvements are made in answer to the changes in user needs.

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