It was also envisaged that a number of branch lines (including the lines between Karuizawa and Naoetsu, Gifu and Taketoyo in addition to Maibara and Tsuruga) be installed to develop areas outside the east-west main line corridor.
また、東西幹線の通過しない地域の振興も図るため、多くの支線（軽井沢駅～直江津駅、岐阜駅～武豊駅、米原駅～敦賀駅など）も設置することになっていた。