Japan unveiled new levitating 500 kmph Maglev Bullet Train

Japan in the first week of June 2013 has unveiled its new levitating bullet train, which can travel at speeds of upto 500 kmph.

The train has already undergone its first test on tracks and the track is being extended to 43 kilometres to enable full-fledged test runs.

Some Important Points about Maglev Bullet Train

• Commercial runs of the maglev train are scheduled to start between Tokyo and Nagoya in 2027.
•  The train magnetic levitation (maglev) as opposed to conventional wheels,
• The train will travel at speeds of up to 500 kilometres per hour and will link the 2 cities in 40 minutes.
• The train boasts a semi-square cross-section to maximise the interior space.
• The final train will consist of 16 carriages which can carry up to 1000 passengers at a time.
• The high-speed maglev train is the first to take advantage of superconducting electromagnets, which eliminate electrical resistance and creates a stronger magnetic field.
• The train levitates at levels higher than the conventional maglev trains that use ordinary electromagnets and are currently in use in a number of countries.
• There are plans in progress to extend the line to Osaka by 2045. The plan is ultimately to create a high-speed mass transit maglev network across the country.

It is important here to note that a joint statement has been issued inMay 2013 by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and his Japanese counterpart Shinzo which they laid down the course of co-operation between the two countries on setting up high speed railway systems in India. India will be benefitted from the Japanese bullet train technology, with Tokyo approved to invest heavily in building high speed railway systems in the country.