Japan's ambitious plans to debut the world's fastest train service by 2027 have hit a snag, with the project at least seven years behind schedule.
On March 29, it was announced that the first phase of the maglev, or the Linear Chuo Shinkansen, connecting Shinagawa in Tokyo to Nagoya was drastically behind schedule. The service would cut travel time between the two places to 40 minutes, down from ihr 26min via the bullet train.
Japan's magnetic levitation - or maglev - train runs on superconductivity and has top test speeds of 603kmh, though it will operate at a maximum 500kmh. This makes it faster than the current record holder, the Shanghai maglev service that has top test speeds of 431kmh.
But Japan is facing setbacks in its battle for rail supremacy with China, amid domestic political opposition, environmental activism, geological challenges, labour shortages and rising construction costs.
A spate of delays have plagued Japan's high-speed rail projects.
Besides the maglev, a planned 212km extension by 2030 of the Hokkaido Shinkansen service to Sapporo from the current terminus in Hakodate, via the booming ski town of Niseko, is at least four years behind schedule.
A 125km extension of the Hokuriku Shinkansen route from Kanazawa in Ishikawa prefecture to Tsuruga in neighbouring Fukui prefecture opened in March 2024 - a year behind schedule.
But these delays should not be seen as an indictment of Japan's ability to deliver projects on time, said transport policy expert Shigeru Morichi, professor emeritus at the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies in Tokyo. He noted that there were complex factors like geological challenges, which are usually beyond the control of rail operators and the government.
Esta historia es de la edición April 09, 2024 de The Straits Times.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición April 09, 2024 de The Straits Times.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
'Football died' when Klopp joined Red Bull
BERLIN - Jurgen Klopp's decision to join Red Bull as their Global Head of Soccer has sparked strong reactions from many German fans.
ALCARAZ IN 'CRAZY' LOSS TO MACHAC
Spaniard can’t believe opponent’s level after defeat scuppers rematch with Italian Sinner
New arrivals at FIA after high-profile departures
LONDON Formula One's governing body announced two senior appointments after headline departures triggered talk of an exodus from the International Automobile Federation (FIA) led by Emirati Mohammed Ben Sulayem.
OLYMPIC RINGS OF FIRE OVER EIFFEL TOWER
French minister plans to wrest control of landmark from Paris mayor amid logo row
EVEREST CLIMBS TO GROUP 1 HEIGHTS
World’s richest sprint race gains recognition at its eighth running, as well as All-Star Mile
Heat stress Different work conditions require flexible guidelines on workers' attire
We thank Mr Rahul Gupta for his suggestions (Study standard heat-friendly work clothes for outdoor workers, Oct 8).
Airbus deliveries drop as suppliers struggle
PARIS Airbus deliveries fell 9 per cent in September to 50 jets compared with the same month in 2023, the European planemaker said on Oct 9, rekindling a debate over the strength of its industrial goals as suppliers struggle to keep up with demand.
Mental health ambassadors at all PAP branches by 2025
By 2025, all 93 People's Action Party (PAP) branches will have mental health ambassadors to promote mental well-being in every neighbourhood and support the work of MPs in addressing residents' mental health concerns.
Zelensky says there is 'real chance' to end war in 2025
He did not reveal how this could happen but is counting on support from key allies
Prabowo defends plan to expand government with ‘fat' Cabinet
JAKARTA Indonesia's Presidentelect Prabowo Subianto has defended his plan to expand government agencies, saying it is needed for a strong administration even if critics call it a \"fat\" Cabinet that will bloat the bureaucracy.