Chapter　6　 Ways of Investments for Transport-Related Infrastructure

6. 1　Diversified Development of Ports and Harbors

　 　To adequately meet the diverse and high-level needs for ports and harbors and promote the development of ports and harbors from a long-term point of view, the Ministry of Transport in May 1985 formulated a long-term harbor development policy entitled "Ports and Harbors in the 21st Century". According to this policy, the goal of harbor development in the 21st century is to create an all-inclusive space in which a high-level freight distribution space, diverse industrial space and affluent life space are harmoniously combined.
(2)　Present situation of harbor development and future tasks
　 　In the development of ports and harbors, it is necessary to build large-scale container terminals in response to the recent progress in containerization, establish harbor information systems based on computerized socioeconomic activities and re-develop port and harbor facilities. At the same time, it is also necessary to meet the national needs for developing ports and harbors as bases to import energy resources and industrial raw materials.

6. 2　Development of Airports in Progress

(1)　Air transport and development of airports
　 　To meet a growing demand for air transport, ensure safety in air traffic and respond to the needs for environmental conservation, the Ministry of Transport has taken various steps systematically for these purposes. As of November 1985, the number of airports handling regular flights totaled 72 (including 39 airports capable of accommodating jet aircraft). Half of the airports, 60% of the number of air routes and 90% of the number of passengers enjoy the merits of jet aircraft. (Fig. 20)
　 　Since demands for air transport are expected to grow further in the future, it is necessary to develop air transport facilities systematically in compliance with future demands.
(2)　Development of main airports
　 　The most salient feature of Japan's domestic air transport is that, although the share of Osaka International Airport is declining, most demands for air transport are concentrated in Tokyo International Airport and Osaka International Airport. Since restrictions are imposed on their operations by reason of environmental conservation, these airports are reaching limitations on use. The Ministry of Transport, therefore, plans to promote the so-called "Big-3 projects", that is, the construction of Kansai International Airport, development of New Tokyo International Airport and expansion of Tokyo International Airport. (Fig. 21)
　 　�@ Construction of Kansai International Airport
　 　Since its founding in October 1984, the Kansai International Airport, Co., Ltd. has made various arrangements for the start of construction at the end of fiscal 1985, including environmental assessments and negotiations on fishery compensation. The company plans to open the new airport at the end of fiscal 1992.
　 　�ACompletion of New Tokyo International Airport requested as soon as possible
　 　Since its opening, New Tokyo International Airport has seen steady growth in its passenger and freight transport. In fiscal 1984, the airport recorded large increases in the number of passengers, the volume of cargoes and the number of aircraft's arrivals and departures. Since the airport went into operation on a scale half that originally planned, its flight handling capacity is reaching limits in the near future. It is therefore necessary to complete the construction work as soon as possible.
　 　�BPromotion of expansion work on Tokyo International Airport
　 　To meet a growing demand for air transport centering on Tokyo International Airport and solve the airport's noise problem, the Ministry of Transport in January 1984 began work to expand the airport into the sea. The Ministry plans to promote this project in compliance with other projects for access to the airport.

6. 3　Investments in Equipment and Facilities by Railway Companies

　 　Since fiscal 1961, the major private railway companies have made systematic investments in equipment and facilities in accordance with their transport capacity development programs. Initially these programs centered on investments in the construction of new lines and introduction of new coaches. In the 3rd phase of these programs (fiscal 1967-71), their investments were increased in safety measures, including improvements in tracks, coaches and electric equipment. (Fig. 22)