Japan, for the first time, performed a outdoor test run for its ‘magnetically levitated’ bullet train that is suppose to run at whooping speed of 500 Km /311mph, highest anywhere in the world.

What does magnetic levitation, commonly known as ‘maglev’ mean?

The technology uses magnets to lift the train above the tracks thus getting rid of wheels. Now wheels cause friction while they run on the tracks. No wheels mean no friction which in turn means that trains can run smoother and faster.

Commercial runs of the maglev train are scheduled to start between Tokyo and Nagoya in 2027. It will reduce the travel time of 90 mins to mere 40 mins.