Japan is working on what could become the fastest train in the world, capable of reaching speeds of up to 603.5 km/h. The new train, known as the L0 Series, is a magnetic levitation (maglev) train still in development.
The fastest train in the world/PHOTO: X
The project is being carried out by the Central Japan Railway Company, which is currently testing the technology. The train was originally supposed to enter service in 2027, but the deadline was pushed back to 2034 or 2035.
The maglev system allows the train to rise above the tracks using magnetic fields, reducing friction to almost zero. Propulsion is provided by an electric motor, which makes possible speeds considered until recently unattainable on conventional railways.
To date, project costs are estimated at around £52 billion.
Travel faster than ever
Once completed, the L0 Series train will transport passengers on the new Chuo Shinkansen line under construction, reducing the travel time between Tokyo and Nagoya to just 40 minutes. Currently, the same journey takes between one hour and 26 minutes and up to two and a half hours.
By comparison, if such a train were introduced in the UK, a journey between London and Edinburgh — which typically takes between four hours and five hours and 45 minutes — could be cut to around an hour.
Would such a train be possible in Europe?
According to analysts cited by Euronews, implementing a system like the L0 Series in Europe would be extremely difficult.
First, maglev trains are designed almost exclusively for speed and efficiency, while the European market places a greater emphasis on comfort, accessibility and passenger experience.
In many European regions, including the United Kingdom, train travel is valued not only for its speed, but also for the scenery it offers — routes through hills, villages and historic areas, where top speed is not a priority.
Also, the L0 Series train is smaller than regular European trains, has high operating costs and requires completely new infrastructure, including dedicated tunnels, which would have to be built from scratch in order to operate on European territory.
Another view of rail travel
While Japan is aiming for speed records, Europe seems to be going in a different direction. New rail routes are being developed in the UK and on the Continent which emphasize slow, scenic and long journeys.
An example is the expansion of some spectacular tourist routes, such as the Linha do Douro, considered one of the most scenic railways in Europe. The 160 km route connects the city of Porto with the town of Pocinho, following the course of the Douro River through wine regions, historic towns and traditional vineyards.
This year, the route is part of an extended rail journey that starts in London and spans 15 days, crossing three countries and nine European cities. The journey starts from London St Pancras station on the Eurostar train to Paris, offering passengers a slow and spectacular transition between the landscapes of Great Britain and those of continental Europe.
