For a sense of just how fast this train goes watch the YouTube posted video. Built at a cost of $52 billion U.S. the first 24 kilometer (15 mile) test track is complete. The remainder of the line will require tunneling through the Japanese Alps and under the City of Tokyo’s many tall buildings.

It is expected that 248 kilometers (155 miles) of tunnels will have to be dug to ensure that the maglev rail lines run almost perfectly straight. That’s because maglev speed degrades if there are lots of curves.

One unique aspect of Japan’s new maglev train is that it won’t require government financing. Central Japan Railway Company intends to fund the project based on cash flow, loans and bonds.

For more information you can read the Bloomberg posting of August 29.