Floating trains running 500 km per hour likely to come to India in three years

New Delhi: From semi high-seed trains, to high-speed trains running up to 500 km per hour. Indian Railways seems to be exploring all existing options to create best experience for train travellers in the country.

Though high-speed bullet rains and Talgo trains are in different phases of adoption by Indian Railways, the public sector major has begun work on high-speed Maglev train project

Maglev trains work on Magnetic Levitation Technology that enables trains to run at 1 to 6 inches above the ground, using a system of magnets. This technology eliminates friction, inducing faster speed in the system.

These trains usually operate between 350 kmph and 500 kmph, with a maximum speed of 600 kmph. 

As per reports, Rail India Technical and Economic Service (RITES) will prepare a detailed project report on Maglev trains project adoption in India within 6 months. The project, however, is expected to be implemented within 3 years.

The Indian Railways issued an Expression of Interest (EoI) for Magnetic Levitation (MagLev) train technology for design, build, operate and maintain MagLev systems for both passenger travel and cargo transportation. The deadline for submission was 6 September.

The land for tracks would be provided by the government, while the company who wins the contract would need to successfully demonstrating the technology over a test distance of 10 – 15 km and before building a 200 – 500 km long elevated track.

The train routes where Railways may implement MagLev technology are as follows: 
Bengaluru – Chennai
Hyderabad – Chennai
New Delhi – Chandigarh
Nagpur – Mumbai

The reports add that as per a rough estimate as on August, the project is likely to cost about Rs 150 crore for constructing one km of elevated high speed track for Maglev train. Three companies - two from US and one from Japan have so far shown interest in setting up Maglev trains in India.