Japan plans to bury 13,500 miles of power lines by 2030 to protect disaster routes

(UI) — Japan’s government is preparing to launch an expanded effort to move overhead power lines underground, focusing on routes critical for emergency response during disasters. According to The Japan Times, the infrastructure ministry plans to roll out a new five-year strategy starting in fiscal 2026 to accelerate the removal of utility poles in urban areas.

The plan prioritizes approximately 21,800 kilometers (about 13,500 miles) of emergency transport corridors that are considered vital for disaster recovery but vulnerable to damage from earthquakes or typhoons. These routes are essential for transporting medical teams, relief supplies, and evacuees during emergencies. As of the end of fiscal 2024, only 35% of these priority areas had completed the transition to underground lines, The Japan Times reports.

The ministry intends to formalize the new undergrounding targets by spring 2026 after consulting a panel of experts. In locations where full underground installation is difficult—such as narrow city streets—officials are considering alternative solutions, like routing cables through existing roadside drainage infrastructure. This method is expected to help reduce both construction time and costs.

Burying power lines is expensive, with an average cost of about ¥500 million (approximately $3.4 million) per kilometer, according to The Japan Times. Still, officials say the investment will not only safeguard vital infrastructure during natural disasters but also improve the appearance of urban areas by removing unsightly overhead wires.

Japan’s infrastructure ministry is also offering financial assistance to local governments and utility companies to support the shift toward underground networks.

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