The Keio Inokashira Line Hydrangeas: Creating a Railway Friendly to People and the Environment

Abstract

The Keio Inokashira Line Hydrangeas bloom from May to late June and are widely appreciated by railway users and local residents. In 2010, they received the Suginami Machi Design Award and have been maintained as part of Keio Corporation’s environmental initiatives.The authors maintain these hydrangeas during the daytime within railway track areas where trains are in operation. The work is managed from the perspectives of safety, schedule, quality, and cost. Safety is particularly important because the work is carried out close to operating trains. To prevent disruption to train operations, train-contact accidents, and heat-related occupational accidents, careful coordination, worker training, and thorough planning are essential.All work is performed manually in accordance with the hydrangeas’ annual growth cycle. In recent years, maintenance has become more difficult due to climate change, labor shortages, and rising costs. Going forward, it will be necessary to review maintenance methods, pass on technical knowledge, and train future personnel.