Japan, recognized worldwide for its technological innovation, has once again demonstrated that it continues to lead advances in this field. This time it is a novelty with respect to rail transport: the maglev.
Since the introduction of the iconic Shinkansen, also known as the bullet train, which has been impressing the world with its speed for decades, the Asian country has been at the forefront of high-speed transportation. Now, Japan is taking it a step further by testing driverless magnetic levitation trains, capable of reaching speeds of up to 500 km/h.
Recently, a group of lucky passengers had the opportunity to experience this revolutionary technology, traveling at said speed in a test to the city of Tsuru. This futuristic train, known as “maglev” (which is short for “magnetic levitation” in English), promises to be the future of rail transport not only in Japan but throughout the world.
An innovation that promises to revolutionize rail transport
The maglev train is designed to float on the rails using magnetic levitation, eliminating physical contact with the tracks. This significantly reduces friction and therefore allows the train to reach higher speeds more efficiently than traditional trains.
Unlike conventional train systems, which rely on wheels to move, the maglev train uses magnetic fields generated by linear motors installed near the tracks. These suspend the vehicle up to 10 centimeters above the ground, allowing this innovative means of transport to move smoothly at record speeds.
The train’s ability to move without a driver is also very novel, as it not only improves operational efficiency by reducing the risk of human error. The first tests of this technology, carried out in recent months, have been a resounding success. Initial tests, carried out without passengers on board, confirmed the feasibility of operating this transport system at more than 500 km/h.
A milestone in Japanese railway engineering
Central Japan Railway has been at the forefront of these tests from the beginning. The first public tests were carried out in 2013 and 2014, on a 43-kilometer stretch in Yamanashi prefecture, west of Tokyo.
During those first tests, the maglev train successfully crossed tunnels and sharp curves, demonstrating its stability and its ability to maintain high speeds in difficult environments. These initial results, obtained a decade ago, laid the foundations for the advances we see today.
Once its efficiency and safety are completed, the maglev train will be used to cover the Tokyo-Nagoya route, a 286-kilometer journey that normally takes around 100 minutes by bullet train. However, with new maglev technology, this time will be drastically reduced to just 40 minutes.
The environmental impact
Although maglev technology seems poised to change the world’s view of rail transportation, its implementation has faced certain challenges.
One of the main obstacles has been environmental opposition. Environmental groups have expressed concern about the impact that the construction of the new tracks and levitation system could have on the natural environment.
This has caused significant delays in the implementation schedule, pushing the opening date of commercial maglev service between Tokyo and Nagoya to 2034.
Despite the questions and the real and possible threats to the environment, Japan remains committed to the implementation of this technology. The government and railway companies are working to resolve potential environmental issues and ensure the project moves forward in a sustainable manner.
Source: https://reporteasia.com/tecnologia/2024/10/23/japon-tren-levitacion-magnetica-sin-conductor/
