The Shanghai Maglev Train project – although way more costly than anticipated – is finally reaching the stage where it will soon be operational. As the first 3 carriages are currently being inastalled, this multi-billion project promises to be one of the most technologically advanced forms of transport yet. The first phase of the SMT is expected to join the city’s two airports via Metro Line 2 which is to be extended to Hongqiao Airport in the west of the city. It is powered by electromagnetism and, when running, it is suspended in air, about 10 millimetres above the track on an electromagnetic cushion.

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