Recently, China has set a new world record with its fastest maglev train, which reaches a speed of 700 km/h in just two seconds. Against this backdrop, a video of a high-speed train crossing a bridge within seconds which leaves the people watching it amazed, went viral on social media. Sharing the video, a user wrote, “700 kmph in just 2 seconds!
China’s fastest maglev train shatters world records — the future of travel just went supersonic on rails.”
Facebook Link | Archived Link.
However, as we investigated, we came to know that the claim was misleading. The viral video is not from China. Here’s the fact check.
Fact Check
We started our investigation, by taking screenshots from the viral video and conducting a reverse image search. This led us to an Instagram handle where the viral video was uploaded on 30 December 2024.
According to the caption, the video shows a Japanese Maglev train with a speed of 500 km/h.
Taking this clue, we conducted a relevant keyword search in Japanese. This led us to a YouTube channel where the viral video was uploaded on 20 December 2024.
The translation of the caption read, “[Experience the speed of the linear train] The world of 500km/h is hilarious: “Unheard of wind noise” [NTV Railway Department]”
We found another video from a different angle on the same YouTube channel.
The translation of the description reads, “JR Central is currently building the Linear Chuo Shinkansen. Construction has already begun on the section between Tokyo’s Shinagawa and Nagoya, but the original 2027 opening date has been abandoned, with the aim of opening after 2034. To understand the current state of this “high-speed railway of the future,” which is expected to serve as a replacement for the Tokaido Shinkansen, Nippon Television’s Railway Department visited the experimental line in Yamanashi Prefecture, where running tests of the Superconducting Maglev are ongoing. Announcer Daisuke Fujita, who is riding the Maglev for the first time, and his “train-loving” news desk experienced the world of 500 kilometres per hour.”
In the description, another video link has been provided. The translation of the caption of the video reads, “[The world of 500 km/h] “Unheard of wind noise” – Nippon Television Railway Club members experience levitation during a test ride of the linear Shinkansen!”
This makes it clear that the viral video shows a Maglev train in Japan.
Conclusion
From our investigation, we can say that the claim is misleading. The viral video doesn’t show the 700 km/h Maglev train in China. The video is old, showing a Japanese Maglev train.
Title:Old Video From Japan Going Viral As The New Maglev Train In China.
Fact Check By: Debanjana BaishyaResult: Misleading
