THEY'RE BUILDING THE SUPER-RAILROAD

The Japanese National Railways has been called the world's busiest and perhaps most efficient railway system. Although the accumulated defecit is more than $3 billion, the Japanese feel there is no alternative if their soaring economy is to be maintained. The New Tokaido Line was completed in 1964, and has since carried some 500 million passengers. The mountainous islands require many tunnels for the railways. The islands are to be connected in the expansion of the new high speed railways. Bridges will be used where possible, but the 33 mile long Seikan Tunnel under the Tsugaru Strait will be essential. The JNR's Railway Technical Research Institute is developing a magnetically suspended vehicle for future high speed use. Japan has too many tunnels to permit use of air cushion vehicles. Due to publication in a national magazine, this article may influence public opinion.

• Corporate Authors:

  Reader's Digest Association, Incorporated

  Pleasantville, NY  United States  10570
• Authors:
  • PAUL, A M
• Publication Date: 1973-10

Media Info

• Features: Figures;
• Pagination: p. 207-211
• Serial:
  • READER'S DIGEST
  • Publisher: READER'S DIGEST ASSOCIATION LTD

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: High speed rail; Intelligent transportation systems; Linear induction motors; Magnetic levitation; Policy; Subsidies; Tracked air cushion vehicles; Tunnels
• Identifier Terms: Nihon kokuyu tetsudo; Seikan Tunnel; Tokaido Shinkansen
• Old TRIS Terms: Advanced systems; Government policies
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Operations and Traffic Management; Passenger Transportation; Policy; Public Transportation; Railroads;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00050068
• Record Type: Publication
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Jan 24 1974 12:00AM