Japan's Maglev train makes new world speed record

Japan’s state-of-the-art Magnetic levitation technology (Maglev) train has clocked a new world speed record smashing through the 603 kilometre per hour mark in a test run near Mount Fuji.
The new record has surpassed its previous record of 581 kilometre per hour which was set in 2003.
Central Japan Railway Company owns this fastest passenger train and is planning to have a train in service in 2027 on the 286-km route between Tokyo and the central city of Nagoya.
Japan had launched its first bullet train named Shinkansen in 1964. Currently, Japan has the World’s most sophisticated rail network.
By successfully testing these new train technologies, Japan is seeking to sell its Shinkansen Bullet and Maglev train systems to other countries.

How Maglev train works?

• Maglev train hovers 10 centimetres above the tracks and is propelled by electrically charged magnets which lift and moves train carriages above the rail tracks.
• This train travels along a guideway using magnets to create both lift and propulsion.
• This lift and propulsion reduces friction and allow it to attain higher speeds compared to conventional wheeled trains.

Month: Current Affairs - April, 2015