Hovering at 600 km/h: Japan's new bullet train delayed

With the Chuo-Shinkansen magnetic levitation train, Japan wants to dominate the high-speed transportation sector. But the huge project will likely be delayed for several years.

It is a project of excellence. Japan's future Chuo Shinkansen will run regularly between the two major cities of Tokyo and Nagoya at a speed of 505 km/h and cover the route in just 40 minutes.

During this time, travelers may only make the trip to the airport. No wonder the opening of the road is eagerly awaited in Japan. However, passengers will probably have to be patient for several more years until the time comes.

Because, among other things, “Japan Times” It has been reported that the Central Japan Railway (JR Tokai) is unlikely to achieve its goal of opening the first section between Tokyo and Nagoya in 2027. President Shunsuke Niwa said this at a transportation ministry meeting: “We are not in a position to open the route in 2027.” “.

The regional government refuses to build tunnels

JR Tokai is said to have abandoned the target because the Shizuoka Prefectural government refused to authorize the tunneling work due to environmental concerns. This delay in the construction of the Shizuoka section is also delaying the overall opening, Niwa said after the meeting.

According to the report, no new target has been issued. However, citing “people familiar with the situation,” the newspaper wrote that the maglev train would not begin public operation before 2034. At the end of 2023, JR Tokai had already corrected the opening date from 2027 to “2027 or later.”

World speed record: 603 km/h

The government granted approval for the track in October 2014 and construction began in December. On April 21, 2015, the world record was set at a speed of 603 km/h on the Yamanashi test track. Shinkansen L0 series trains are currently being extensively tested there and put into series production.

Despite the high speeds possible, trains must travel at a maximum speed of 505 km/h in regular operation.

Once the first construction phase is completed, the project will connect Tokyo and Nagoya in just 40 minutes. Once the second phase is complete, travel time between the capital and the second-largest city, Osaka, is expected to fall to just 67 minutes — less than half the fastest time on current bullet trains.

In addition to the time advantages due to shorter travel times, according to JR Central, the new road could bring economic benefits and also serve as an important reserve between the country's three major cities in case major disasters such as strong earthquakes are likely to occur. tsunami.