MAGNETIC LEVITATION TRAINS – THE UNFULFILLED PROMISE

Magnetic levitation or maglev is a well-established technology. Applications range from advertising displays to the Active Magnetic Bearings used in wind turbines. The technology has however failed to deliver on its promise of high speed trains to revolutionize rail transportation. One maglev line each is operating in Japan, China and Korea, the longest being the 30 km Shanghai line. The ambitious Tokyo Nagoya 286 km line to be completed in 2027 and the feasibility study for a maglev line between Washington DC and Baltimore are the promising new developments. The new Hyperloop transportation concept also uses maglev. The paper outlines the technology used in magnetic levitation trains. The work done in Japan for the Tokyo Nagoya project has established that the basic maglev principles remain valid. New materials have helped make maglev trains lighter and faster. The major drawback for maglev trains has been high costs compared to conventional high speed rail. The ambitious UK Ultraspeed project for an 800 km maglev line connecting London and Glasgow was abandoned in 2007. The Tokyo Nagoya line is under criticism for its cost estimated to be $ 49 billion. Maglev technology needs at least one commercially viable demonstration project such as the Washington DC – Baltimore line to become more widely acceptable.