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"Shinkansen"
This extremely modern train, known worldwide as the "Bullet Train", began services between Tokyo and Osaka in 1964. It covers the 552km distance in 3hrs 10mins at a maximum speed of 210km.p.h. This makes the super-express Hikari, "Light", the world's fastest train. Two automated train systems developed in Japan - CTC (Centralized Traffic Control) and ATC (Automatic Train Control)-constantly monitor the position and safety of every train on the line. Each train is composed of 16 coaches and is 400m long. Total capacity is 1,400 passengers. Construction work for extension of the Shinkan sen line to Hakata in Kyushu began in March, 1967.