Reporters stood on the new Chuo Shinkansen line waiting to catch a glimpse of Japan’s high-speed train, and if anyone blinked, they would miss it. Those who were focused on the tracks for a split second as the train sped past fell into stunned silence, mouths agape, until all they could do was laugh.
According to SupercarBlondie, what reporters witnessed was the trial operation of Japan’s next-generation railway system currently under development. The railway will eventually connect Tokyo to Osaka, with a journey time of about one hour, compared with the current running time of about 2.5 hours for traditional high-speed rail.
Chuo Shinkansen trains have a top speed of 314 mph. The technology that makes this possible is superconducting magnetic levitation. Electromagnets within the rails and superconducting electromagnets on the train repel each other, causing the train to levitate about 4 inches above the ground once it reaches sufficient speed. This eliminates friction and results in a faster, smoother ride.
China and South Korea also have high-speed trains using maglev technology, which seems to be the goal for future high-speed rail development, which is good for passengers and the environment.
Due to the promise of ultra-fast travel times, travelers are more likely to choose this method instead of flying or driving, both of which emit carbon pollution that overheats the planet and contributes to extreme weather like floods and droughts that threaten global food supplies.
Domestic flights produce an average of about 133 grams of CO2 pollution per passenger per kilometer, so the impact is greatest when travelers choose trains rather than planes.
High-speed rail is growing in popularity in parts of the world, in part because of not only the speed of travel but also its comfort and affordability. It’s not uncommon for travelers to share videos showcasing their enjoyable experiences.
Upon completion, the Chuo Shinkansen will run approximately 286 kilometers (177 miles). Most of the line will be underground, and the project is expected to be completed in 2037.
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