The Chizu Express Company (智頭急行株式会社, Chizu kyūkō Kabushikigaisha) is a Japanese third-sector railway that connects Hyōgo, Okayama and Tottori prefectures. The Chizu Line is not electrified, but is a high-grade railroad, and extends a total of 56.1 kilometres (34.9 mi). The limited expresses Super Hakuto and Super Inaba operate on this line.
Some local trains operate through from the JR West Inbi Line (Tottori - Chizu).
Construction of the line was approved under the Railway Construction Act in 1922, and commenced by Japanese National Railways (JNR) in June 1966.[1] Work was well advanced when a freeze on expenditure in 1980 resulted in construction being halted with 95% of the route acquired and 93% of the earthworks completed.[1]
The Tottori Prefectural Government facilitated the establishment of the Chizu Express Company in May 1986, which resumed construction.[1]
The line opened on December 3, 1994, and includes the 5,592 m Shitozaka tunnel.[1]
From November 29, 1997, the JR limited express Super Inaba service commenced between Okayama and Tottori.[1]