maglev

The L0 Series is a magnetic levitation train built in Japan that’s the fastest in the world, capable of reaching speeds of up to 375mph. It is currently in testing

A lightning-fast train currently under development could potentially whisk passengers from London to Edinburgh in around an hour. The L0 Series, a Japanese creation, is an electric train capable of reaching speeds up to 375mph, making it the world’s fastest.

This extraordinary machine, currently undergoing testing, uses Maglev technology for propulsion. Maglev operates by magnetically levitating the train above the tracks and then employing another electric motor for forward motion. These trains essentially glide through the air powered by magnets and electricity, enabling them to reach staggering speeds.

The L0 series is no exception, with Top Gear reporting that once operational, it aims to cruise at around 311mph, allowing it to travel from Tokyo to Osaka in roughly an hour.

If the L0 Series were implemented, this would equate to a journey time from London to Penzance in Cornwall of just under an hour. The same duration would apply for a trip from the capital to Edinburgh, reports the Express. The current travel time between these iconic UK destinations by trainis just shy of five hours.

But that’s not the only impressive achievement of the L0 Series. Back in April 2015, it managed to cover a staggering 2,525 miles in a single day. That’s akin to travelling from London to one of Europe’s most easterly cities – Sulina in Romania – and back again.

Predictably, such a remarkable feat of engineering doesn’t come with a modest price tag. The scheme has been pushed back by eight years owing to escalating expenses, reaching an eye-watering £52billion.

The Chuo Shinkansen line that will transport the train will connect Tokyo and Nagoya.

“The maglev has been plagued by difficulties excavating tunnels needed to accommodate the train’s high speeds”, reported The Asahi Shimbun.

Around 85% of the scheme involves tunnels, according to a board member from the firm overseeing the venture.

JR Central’s board signed off on the updated budget on October 29, although the organisation emphasised that the 2035 deadline remains tentative.

Meanwhile in the UK, the Government has confirmed the revival of Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) which will deliver quicker journeys between northern cities.

This means passengers will be able to travel between destinations such as Leeds, York, Bradford, Sheffield, Liverpool, Manchester, and return more rapidly than previously.

An initial £1.1bn has been allocated for preparation and planning, with the first building work not anticipated to commence until 2030, as the programme receives £45bn worth of improvements, including a new railway station at Bradford plus enhancements to several stations.