Differences Between Japan`s Shinkansen and Indonesia`s Whoosh

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Japan has long been known for its excellent public transportation, such as the Shinkansen. This high-speed train made its first crossing on October 1, 1964, from Tokyo to Osaka.

Indonesia recently launched its first bullet train connecting the capital city of Jakarta to Bandung City on October 2, 2023. As quoted from Indonesia.go.id, the fast train named WHOOSH is also the first in Southeast Asia.

Many compare Japan’s fastest and most convenient transportation with Indonesia’s new China-backed train. Here are the differences between Shinkansen and Whoosh:

1. Type of train

Shinkansen and Whoosh operate different types of trains. Japan uses the Shinkansen N700S type equipped with a lithium-ion battery self-propulsion system. Meanwhile, Indonesia uses the latest generation of Chinese-made train called CR400AF from CRRC Qingdao Sifang. This electric-powered train requires 9750 kW of power for each set of eight cars.

2. Train speed

Crowned as the world’s fastest train, Shinkansen has a speed of up to 300 kilometers per hour. Its fastest series can reach up to 603 kilometers per hour or about 375 miles per hour. Meanwhile, Whoosh is predicted to have a speed of up to 420 kilometers per hour with an operating speed of 350 kilometers per hour. With a predicted distance of 142.3 kilometers, the trip from Jakarta to Bandung takes only 36 to 46 minutes.

3. Access and Reach

According to Jrailpass.com, the Japanese bullet train is available in various regions of the country, providing unlimited access to various destinations. Meanwhile, Indonesia's bullet train is only available in one lane, namely Jakarta-Bandung. The government is determined to develop the high-speed railway in several other cities.

4. Lines and Routes

Shinkansen has nine lines that allow passengers to travel around Japan. They include the Tokaido Shinkansen line from the capital Tokyo to the south, Osaka. The Sanyo Shinkansen line connects Osaka with Fukuoka and, from there, the Kyushu Shinkansen line runs through the island of Kyushu from north to south. The other six lines serve routes north or inland from Tokyo.

Meanwhile, Whoosh has only made eight trips on four different lines.

5. Passenger Capacity

Japan’s Shinkansen has a total capacity of more than 1,000 seated passengers, while the Indonesian Whoosh has a total capacity of 601 seated passengers in eight cars per series.

SHARISYA KUSUMA RAHMANDA  I  VIVIA AGARTA FEBRIATI  I  PUTRI SAFIRA PITALOKA

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