Japan and China are now competing in a race to build and run the world’s fastest train that can float in the air and give tough competition to aeroplanes. Unlike normal trains, these trains will be made to hover in the air using magnetic forces. Here’s what we know so far about this exciting update!
Japan And China Are Building World’s Fastest Trains
Imagine sitting on a train and floating in the air! That’s what maglev trains are. According to NDTV, Japan and China are competing with each other to build the world’s fastest train using unique maglev technology. Unlike normal trains that run on tracks using wheels, these trains use magnetic forces to lift the train above the track, letting them run at a speed of around 600 km/h (373 mph). You won’t believe it, but these trains can even beat aeroplanes and are expected to replace short-haul flights.
China has been working to build this maglev train through the manufacturer CRCC. On the other hand, Japan, a country known for its bullet trains, is also pushing ahead with its Chuo Shinkansen, which uses Superconducting Magnetic Levitation technology. During a test conducted recently, a Japanese train reached an impressive 603 km/h!
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Maglev Train Can Make Long Journeys Short
Japan’s Chuo Shinkansen will make travel between Tokyo and Nagoya much faster. Currently, the journey takes two hours, but once this maglev train becomes operational, the journey will take only 49 minutes! This is so cool, right? The train will cover almost 286 km between Japan’s two major cities in under an hour. According to NDTV, the first phase of the Chuo Shinkansen is planned for completion in 2027.
But what about China’s maglev train? According to a report by CNN, it will make travel between Beijing and Shanghai much faster. A flight between these two cities takes around 4.5 hours, a high-speed train journey takes 5.5 hours, but a maglev train will complete the journey in 3.5 hours. However, there is no confirmed date for China’s maglev train. The project is being developed and tested.
Also Read: Mumbai-Ahmedabad Bullet Train: Over 100 Km Work Complete Across Scenic Terrain, See Video
So, how excited are you to finally witness the world’s fastest train? Do you think it will replace aeroplanes for short journeys?
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/Liufuyu (Representative Image)
FAQs
Which two countries are making the world’s fastest trains?
Japan and China are competing to develop some of the world’s fastest maglev trains.
What is a maglev train?
A maglev train uses magnetic forces to lift above the track and levitate in the air.
How fast can a maglev train run?
Some maglev trains can reach speeds of around 600 km/h.
