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The JR Ako Line was originally planned as a railway line to serve as a bypass for the Sanyo Main Line, but in the end it became a local line specialized for regional transport, and there is a possibility that it will be abolished due to low user numbers. The situation has become even more severe with the opening of the Sanyo Shinkansen. The transport density is below 2,000 people per day in the Banshu Ako to Osafune section, which meets the standards that JR West is looking to review. There are also rumors that the new rapid service between Aioi and Banshu Ako will also be discontinued. Meanwhile, local governments such as Okayama Prefecture have requested an increase in the number of trains, citing convenience as essential to promoting railway use. It appears that it was originally planned as a route for freight trains and limited express trains. It was planned to be a double-track main line. #AkoLine <Image source> ・Geospatial Information Authority of Japan Map, https://maps.gsi.go.jp/ (Partially edited and posted) References ・RSK Sanyo Broadcasting, "'The last train will be moved up an hour to the 9pm hour...' JR Ako Line to reduce service with March timetable revision, local governments along the line request JR West to reconsider [Okayama]", December 25, 2023, https://newsdig.tbs.co.jp/articles/rs... ・For other references, please refer to Wikipedia, various reports, etc.