Tag: rail

  • World’s Oldest Metro Rail Systems: From London to Budapest

    World’s Oldest Metro Rail Systems: From London to Budapest

    The world’s first metro rail began operating in London in 1863. It’s called the London Metro or the Tube. On its opening day, it carried over 30,000 passengers. The London Underground started its first electrified underground line in 1890, making it the oldest metro system globally.

    metro

    Despite being called the Underground, only 40% of its lines are actually underground; the rest are built above ground. Currently, the London metro system has 272 stations, covering a distance of 400 km. It serves around 1.17 billion passengers each year.

    Budapest, Hungary’s capital, boasts the world’s oldest electric underground railway system. Its iconic Line-One was completed in 1896, making it the second oldest underground railway system worldwide after London’s.

    Japan’s Tokyo Metro is known as the busiest metro system globally. It transports an average of 6.84 million passengers every day. It’s the larger of Tokyo’s two subway operators.

    The first metro system in India was launched in Kolkata in 1984. Initially, Kolkata Metro ran on a 3.4 km route. Later, in 2002, Delhi, India’s capital, inaugurated its first rapid transit service. Delhi Metro now spans 391 km with 286 stations.

    London’s iconic metro, known as the Tube, holds the distinction of being the world’s oldest metro system. It commenced operations in 1863, ferrying over 30,000 passengers on its inaugural day. Despite its underground reputation, only 40 percent of London’s subway lines are situated below ground, with the rest constructed on the surface. Presently, the London Underground spans 400 kilometers, serving 272 stations and accommodating a staggering 1.17 billion passengers annually.

    In Asia, Tokyo’s metro system stands out as the busiest in the world, with an average daily ridership of 6.84 million passengers. This extensive network, comprising multiple lines and stations, plays a pivotal role in facilitating the daily commute of Tokyo’s bustling population.

  • Revolutionizing Rail Travel: The Maglev Train’s High-Speed Marvel

    Revolutionizing Rail Travel: The Maglev Train’s High-Speed Marvel

    Humans have created a train that can travel almost as fast as the wind. This might sound like something from a fantasy world, but it’s now a reality. Countries like China, Japan, and South Korea are using this incredible technology known as the Maglev train.

    Maglev train

    The Maglev train, short for magnetic levitation train, is the fastest train in the world, reaching a maximum speed of about 600 km/h. To put it into perspective, it would take approximately an hour to travel from Teknaf to Tetulia of Bangladesh with this high-speed train.

    The concept of the Maglev train was first introduced by the Japanese railway company around 1970, and since then, it has become a significant topic of discussion. Japan has always been a leader in railway research worldwide.

    The Maglev train utilizes the Electron Dynamic Suspension System, incorporating superconductor materials. Superconductors are substances through which electricity flows without any resistance or loss. Thanks to these superconductors, a continuous flow of electricity generates a powerful magnetic field.

    To achieve this, the superconductor is cooled down to minus 260 degrees Celsius using liquid helium. This technology allows a heavy train to float in the air. When the train comes to a stop, rubber wheels are employed. These wheels provide the necessary traction for the magnet under the train to function. Remarkably, once the train reaches a speed of 150 km per hour, it can glide in just 10 mm of air.

    Despite its incredible speed, the Maglev train is considered a safe system, providing passengers with an efficient and smooth travel experience. In 2015, research demonstrated that Maglev trains could reach speeds of up to 603 km per hour.