At 603 kmph, Japan’s maglev train breaks its own speed record

The train accomplished the feat in a test run, surpassing its previous record of 581 kmph set in 2003.

April 21, 2015 01:09 pm | Updated 04:31 pm IST - TOKYO

A magnetically levitating train operated by Central Japan Railway Co. making a test run on an experimental track in Tsuru, Yamanashi Prefecture, on April 21, 2015.

A magnetically levitating train operated by Central Japan Railway Co. making a test run on an experimental track in Tsuru, Yamanashi Prefecture, on April 21, 2015.

A Japanese maglev, which is the fastest passenger train in the world, has broken its own speed record.

Operator JR Central said the train reached 603 kmph in a test run on Tuesday, surpassing its previous record of 581 kmph set in 2003. The train travelled for about 2 km at a speed exceeding 600 kmph.

Japan’s high-speed rail services are among the most advanced in the world, with hundreds of trains running each day with minimal delays.

The Maglev Test Line, near Mount Fuji about 80 km west of Tokyo, is developing technology for use on a future link between Tokyo and Osaka. The magnetic levitation trains hover above rails, suspended by powerful magnets.

0 / 0
Sign in to unlock member-only benefits!
  • Access 10 free stories every month
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign-up/manage your newsletter subscriptions with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early access to discounts & offers on our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide by our community guidelines for posting your comments.

We have migrated to a new commenting platform. If you are already a registered user of The Hindu and logged in, you may continue to engage with our articles. If you do not have an account please register and login to post comments. Users can access their older comments by logging into their accounts on Vuukle.