Japan Boosts Australia’s High-Speed Rail Vision with Tech

Japan Offers Advanced Technology for Australia’s High-Speed Rail Future. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Tokyo shares high-speed rail tech with Australia. Japanese firms ensure safety and punctuality daily.

Masafumi Shukuri, president of the International High-Speed Rail Association, recently spoke to Nikkei. He confidently stated that Japan’s major railway companies eagerly support Australia’s rail ambitions.

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The association, including Central Japan Railway, Hitachi, and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, promotes shinkansen globally. Shukuri emphasized that adopting shinkansen allows Japan to transfer technology and train Australian workers.

Taiwan successfully embraced shinkansen technology as the first nation outside Japan years ago. Local experts now operate its bullet trains, and India follows a similar path today. India currently trains 1,000 engineers to manage new high-speed lines launching soon. Shukuri noted that Japanese companies will form a consortium if Australia shows interest.

High-Speed Rail Opportunities in Australia

Australia has debated high-speed rail for 40 years but faces population and cost challenges. Proposals often stall because small populations and soaring construction expenses deter investment plans. However, Shukuri sees promise in eastern Australia due to its denser population centers. He believes bullet trains can boost economic growth and decentralize development effectively.

Funding and Future of High-Speed Rail

Construction costs may reach hundreds of billions, especially with Australia’s rising wages. Shukuri suggests combining private and public funds and using taxes to maximize benefits. Australia launched the High Speed Rail Authority in 2023 to explore options. This independent body will deliver a feasibility report to the government this year.

Shukuri argues that rail projects can transform regions and create lasting economic opportunities. Japan’s expertise offers Australia a chance to modernize transport and enhance connectivity nationwide.

The shinkansen’s track record proves its reliability, so Australia could benefit greatly. Discussions continue, and Japan stands ready to collaborate and innovate with Australia.

Source, photo: www.agenzianova.com

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