Trains for a new era

China is currently developing or investigating two new technologies for high speed trains – one is maglev – which uses magnetic levitation along concrete tracks, the other is hyperloop, which also uses magnetic force to propel vehicles through pressure tubes.
Maglev trains have been operating since 2004 in Pudong on the outskirts of Shanghai. At full speed, the journey takes 7 minutes and 20 seconds to go 30 kilometres. Unfortunately the service hasn’t been profitable due to the high operating costs and its limited range – the line only runs from Longyang Road station in Pudong to Pudong International Airport and it takes another 20 minutes to travel by subway to the city centre. While there have been plans to extend the service by linking it to the Shanghai city centre, as well as Beijing and Hangzhou, these haven’t materialised.
The original Shanghai maglev system was built using German technology but now China has developed its own industry and introduced a medium-low speed maglev train service in Changsha. Another maglev service is due to open in Beijing this year. Meanwhile the China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC), one of the world’s largest train manufacturers, is researching a maglev train that will able to reach 600 kilometres per hour, faster than any other train currently in operation. It also plans to develop low and medium speed maglev trains for both the domestic and export markets.
South Korea has a maglev service linking to Incheon International airport and Japan also has a maglev commuter service and is building the Chuo Shinkansen maglev system, which will connect Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka. 
Whereas Maglev is now a well-established technology, at least in Asia, hyperloop transport hasn’t yet been introduced anywhere. Although the most famous advocate of hyperloop technology is America’s Elon Musk, it may be China and Russia that will pioneer the first hyperloop transport system. 
Hyperloop One and Russian investment firm Caspian Venture Capital are conducting a feasibility study into using the system to move cargo containers between Hunchun’s logistics centre and the planned Zarubino port, part of the new Silk Road. 
Hyperloop is perfect for cargo systems as containers don’t have to be loaded and unloaded but can be put directly into the steel tube. Moreover, the system can run continuously, it is highly energy efficient and immune to weather hazards – very important in rugged terrain such as on this border. Construction on the Zarubino Hyperloop is due to begin in 2020.
These developments are certainly interesting for Thailand as one of the top priorities for the government is a new high-speed train link between Rayong and Bangkok. This planned link will use conventional rail technology. Let’s hope that the new Thai system won’t be redundant before it starts!