Japan successfully tested the L0 Series Maglev Bullet Train

Japan on 5 June 2013 conducted the first successful test of new generation L0 Series Trains (maglev bullet trains) designed to travel at speeds of 311 mph. These trains are lashed with latest magnetic levitation technology (maglev) instead of the conventional wheels. The commercial services of this series of trains will start in 2027.

First five cars of the L0 series train with a distinct aerodynamic Nose at the front side was displayed in Yamanashi Prefecture on a test track. The lack of friction due to the new maglev technology in these trains means acceleration and deceleration are faster and they are unaffected by weather conditions.

The LO Series Trains are designed by Central Japan Railway Co (JR Tokai), and in its first phase will link central Tokyo with Nagoya station and cut the current time of journey by bullet train by more than half, from 90 to 40 minutes. The lines will be extended up to Osaka by 2045 as Japan is into the plan of creating a high-speed mass transit maglev network across the country.

The train will have 16 carriages and will carry up to 1000 passengers at a time. In 1964, Japan unveiled its first bullet train named Shinkansen to coincide with its hosting of the Olympic Games. At present, Japan is the home of World’s most sophisticated rail network. The central line in Japan, Tokaido Shinkansen is the world’s busiest high-speed rail and it carries about 151 million passengers each year.