By tf-lawyer.com Many countries have followed Japan’s lead in developing high-speed rail, as demonstrated by the TGV trains showcased at the SNCF station near Paris. The Tōkaidō Shinkansen, which first opened in Japan 60 years ago, set a benchmark that numerous nations, including Taiwan, have sought to emulate. France’s high-speed train, the TGV, which began operations in 1981, connects major cities like Paris and Lyon. Meanwhile, Taiwan officially launched its own high-speed rail in 2007.
According to a CNN report, France’s TGV network has experienced significant success, drastically reducing travel times between major cities, increasing transport capacity, and making high-speed travel more accessible and affordable for commuters.
Similar to Japan, France has adeptly exported its high-speed rail technology to other countries. Spain boasts the longest high-speed rail network in Europe, while Belgium, the UK, South Korea, and Morocco—the first African country to implement high-speed rail—have also adopted these advancements.
In the UK, the Eurostar service connects London with European cities such as Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam. However, the High Speed 2 (HS2) project, intended to create a more interconnected transport system extending north from London, has faced controversy. Currently, its total length stands at approximately 230 kilometers.
For British travelers, the closest option to a bullet train is the new Intercity Express Trains, developed by Hitachi and based on Japanese technology, although they only reach speeds of about 200 kilometers per hour.
Countries such as Taiwan, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia have established dedicated train routes linking major cities, and both India and Thailand are planning their own high-speed rail networks.
In recent years, China has emerged as a noteworthy player in the high-speed rail sector, leveraging its economic strength to create the world’s longest high-speed rail network. According to the Ministry of Transport, by the end of last year, China’s operational high-speed rail mileage reached 45,000 kilometers. Beyond serving as a transportation mode, these rail lines have also spurred economic development.
China has taken inspiration from Japan and Western Europe to advance its railway technology, rapidly positioning itself as a leader in high-speed rail. The country is also working on developing magnetic levitation trains capable of reaching speeds of up to 600 kilometers per hour.
Since the launch of Japan’s first Shinkansen, high-speed rail has become an essential part of transportation infrastructure both domestically and around the globe. Although the original “0 Series” Shinkansen trains from 1964 have long been retired, they continue to shape contemporary perceptions of bullet trains.
Given today’s concerns about climate change, high-speed rail, recognized as a more environmentally friendly travel option, is poised for further expansion worldwide, potentially ushering in a new golden era for rail transport.
