On December 19, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism held the 87th Basic Policy Subcommittee meeting of the Road Division of the Social Infrastructure Development Council, where it reported on the progress of studies and experiments toward the realization of automated logistics roads. Committee members repeatedly expressed opinions that, regarding the development of automated logistics roads between Tokyo and Osaka as envisioned by the government, long-distance transportation should be based on the premise of utilizing autonomous trucks, which are already in the realization stage, due to cost considerations and other factors.
Regarding automated logistics roads, based on the study group report compiled in July, demonstration experiments involving 12 cases across 9 groups, based on 6 anticipated use cases, began on December 1st.
<Overview of the 2025 Demonstration Experiment>
Going forward, plans include conducting experiments on the Shin-Hadano-Shin-Gotemba section of the Shin-Tomei Expressway, which is currently under construction, and performing simulations on connections with other modes of transport, including rail, ports, and air. In order to realize the automated logistics road between Tokyo and Osaka, which the government currently envisions, the plan is to proceed with the development (support) of transport equipment and the consideration of international standardization between 2028 and the mid-2030s.
<Future Schedule>
In response to these reports, members of the Basic Policy Subcommittee offered opinions such as: "For long-distance transportation like between Tokyo and Osaka, autonomous trucks, which are now within sight, would be more cost-effective," "Even if automated logistics roads are completed, they are unlikely to be used if there are cheaper means of transportation," "Cybersecurity risks also need to be investigated," and "It would be more realistic to develop automated logistics roads in sections connecting autonomous truck operating bases with ports and warehouses."
An official from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism explained that it would be difficult to commercialize such a project unless it was for a section with a large expected volume of freight transport, such as between Tokyo and Osaka. He also emphasized that private companies are showing increasing interest in automated logistics roads, citing the fact that 115 companies have joined the consortium established in May to work towards implementation.
