Shinkansen新幹線alternative words: Bullet train, High speed train, Super express train keywords: railroad related topics: JR Tokai , JR East Japan , JR West Japan , Linear motor train related web sites: http://tec.supertrain.net , http://www.jr.cyberstation.ne.jp explanation: In order to cope with a saturation of Tokaido line which connects Tokyo and Osaka, the government decided to construct a second railroad, Tokaido shinkansen, based on a revolutionary plan: no crossing points and no merchandise wagons. The construction began in 1959 and achieved in 1964. Because of its success, the government has extended the same technology on other lines: Sanyo shinkansen, Tohoku shinkansen, Joetsu shinkansen. Shikansen means "new trunk line". | |