Japan to the delight of its inhabitants has proved that the country is still in the league of technological gurus and innovativeness by putting into operation the world’s fastest commercial rail. Today the world witnessed the opening of the Chuo Shinkansen maglev line that connects Tokyo and Osaka reinforcing the dominance of high speed rail transport.
The maglev (magnetic levitation) train of Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central) lifts the train several centimeters from the track through magnets, and thus do not come into direct contact with the track, and as a result are able to move at very high speeds. The train is to be capable of a top speed of 505 kilometers per hour (314 mph), which will shorten a journey between Tokyo and Osaka to 67 minutes, a little more than one and half an hour compared with the bullet train service.
The official ceremony of inauguration was conducted at the newly established Tokyo Shinagawa Station where, besides officials of the government, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, transport authorities and JR Central were present. During his speech, Prime Minister Suga said the following: “The maglev line is indispensable for breathing new life into Japan and can be considered as a symbol of Japanese spirit and our nation’s desire to go further in utilizing technologicalachievements.”
Construction of the Chuo Shinkansen, on which work started more than twenty years ago, encountered severe difficulties in the course of construction; geological and environmental conditions imposed great difficulties. In total, construction of the project is expected to cost 9 trillion yen ($82 billion), which puts it among some of the most costly infrastructure projects in the country.
Critics of the project have pointed out that the construction of the maglev line is very expensive but those in support of the project have noted that the project will be very经济 boon to Japan. The new service is likely to drive up tourism, ease business travel and improve the linkage between Japan’s two big metropolitan cities. Also, all the technology used in the construction and formation of the maglev train has the advantage of being exported to a number of countries that have shown interest in such technology.
Opponents of the maglev trains have cited energy concerns as some of the most important drawbacks of these trains since maglev uses a lot more energy than high-speed rail trains. In response, JR Central has pledged to generate power for the new line from renewable resources and has incorporated energy-saving measures into the facilities across the network.
The existing operational maglev line joins Tokyo with Nagoya, however; the administration intends to expand the line over Osaka by the year 2037. The final and full route will be covering approximately 438 kilometers (272 miles) With stops at Kofu, Iida and Nara. Currently, JR Central anticipates the line to transport 60-70 million people annually, while peaking at 100 million when fully developed.
The introduction of the maglev service is now renew interest in the high-speed rail technology in various parts of the world. This is so true for nations like China, where maglev trains are being manufactured and operated, to monitor and evaluate Japan’s performance as they plan their next lines. The United States with very little high speed rail probably could use mag Lev technology themselves, several states are considering use of maglev lines.
To passengers, maglev is a different mode of rail transport wholly unique from any other mode of travel. Mine is a train that starts moving briskly without jolting and even as you increase its speed the feeling is more like that of being on a boat where everything around becomes a blur. The company that operates the trains, JR Central, has added the features such as high-speed internet, comfortable reclining seats, and the provision of large glass windows that offer easy-to-view scenery.
Maglev line will also bring big changes for the domestic airline industry in Japan. The time taken to travel by train takes almost a similar time as the air transport including time spent taking security checks and time spent at the airport and so many business people will prefer this reliable train service.
While Japan continues to enjoy this technological achievement, the maglev train service is living proof that this Asian giant is not stopping on the advancement in transport technology. That is why it is not only an opportunity to revolutionize domestic tourism in Japan but also a chance to become a new generation high-speed rail.
The start of Chuo Shinkansen maglev line gives Japan a strong background in railway technology and gives people the future of how transportation is going to be. When other countries seek for a similar solution to modernize their own infrastructure, the Japanese maglev system would certainly be an example of efficiency, speed and technology that future will bring in this field.
