Railway systems across the globe have changed profoundly in the last 100 years. Developing efficient propulsion systems, durable materials, and advanced technology has allowed significant growth in railway technologies. This growth has accelerated significantly since the 1960s when Japan introduced the iconic Shinkansen train.
To this day, the high-speed railway network spans approximately 59,000 kilometers globally. The shift in the focus of deployment of high-speed systems, which has been occurring since the 2000s, highlights the future development of these systems and regional changes.
Bold strides toward more high-speed rail systems are a sign of the need to transition to reliable and green transportation services that raise awareness of the benefits this technology brings to communities and urban centers. The business case for high-speed rail comprises fast travel times, reliability, and competitiveness compared to other transport modes.

What is High-Speed Rail (HSR)?

To discuss the various aspects of HSR, it’s important to define the nomenclature and establish a common understanding of what the term stands for.

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