The UK to get London/Glasgow Maglev link?

The UK is looking at Shanghai’s 430km/hr Maglev as a possible answer to its growing rail infrastructure crisis. The German company, Transrapid International is working on a ‘pre-feasibility’ study for the government. Costing €32m per KM the scheme would cost €26bn without land acquisition cost. The proposed route would form a much needed north/south backbone through the UK linking London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Newcastle and Edinburgh before terminating in Glasgow. China has so far led the way with its pioneering Maglev shuttle between Shanghai airport and downtown Pudong. Other schemes are being considered for Munich, Washington/Baltimore and Pittsburgh.

Michael Hammond