to Toyo Sugar Refining. The railway was converted to a gauge of 762 mm and began seriously hauling sugar cane. In 1927, Toyo merged with Dainippon Sugar Refining. During World War II, aerial attacks destroyed the railway, but in 1950, Daito Sugar Refining restored it to operation. It served through the 1983 spring season, and thereafter, trucks replaced the railway for the transportation of sugar cane. The upgrade of the gauge to 762 mm permitted the use of steam locomotives, and in 1956, diesel locomotives were introduced. At present, steam and diesel locomotives, passenger and freight cars have been preserved on Minamidaitōjima. Naha also has a diesel locomotive from the Prefectural Yohabaru Line. Other Prior to World War II, railways were in use in various places, but all disappeared after the war. Locations included what are present-day Nishihara, Kadena, and Itoman. The islands of Ishigaki and Miyako also had lines to move sugar cane, and Iriomote had handcar lines for the coal mines. Kita Daito and Oki Daito had similar lines for phosphate mines. Monorail The Okinawa Urban Monorail opened in 2003. It was designed to overcome the severe congestion on the island. Construction began in 1996 and it now extends some 17 km in the city of Naha. The monorail is a venture of the prefecture and private enterprise. There are 19 stations on the line. References External links 沖縄県土木建築部 都市計画・モノレール課 沖縄の鉄軌道についての一考察 - 参議院 「沖縄鉄軌道計画案づくり」専用ホームページ Rail transport in Okinawa Prefecture