Maglev train: China debuts prototype capable of speeds of 620 kilometers per hour

Maglev train: China debuts prototype capable of speeds of 620 kilometers per hour

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(CNN) – China has unveiled a prototype for a new Maglev train with a fast speed that can reach 620 kilometers (385 miles) per hour.

The train runs on super temperature conduction force (HTS) which makes it appear as if the train is floating along the magnetized tracks.

The sleek 21-meter-long (69-foot) prototype was unveiled to the media on January 13 in the city of Chengdu, Sichuan Province. In addition, university researchers built 165 meters of track to demonstrate what the train would look like. and feel in transit, according to state-run Xinhua News.

Professor He Chuan (vice-president of Southwest Jiaotong University, who worked on the prototype) told reporters that the train could be “in operation” within 3-10 years.

He added: “Sichuan has rich rare earth resources, which is very beneficial for our construction of permanent magnetic tracks, which promotes the faster development of experiments.”

One possible interior for the new Maglev train.

One possible interior for the new Maglev train.

Liu Kun / Xinhua / Sipa USA

China is home to the world’s largest high-speed railway network, which spans more than 37,000 kilometers, and the fastest commercial train – the Shanghai Maglev.

The country’s first high – speed Maglev train started running in 2003. The train runs at a top speed of 431 km per hour and connects Pudong Airport Shanghai and Longyang Road in the eastern side of Shanghai.


China is eager to make further infrastructure improvements ahead of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing.

This time last year, China introduced a new 174-kilometer highway that connects Beijing with the host city of Zhangjiakou in the 2022 Winter Olympics, reducing travel time between the two from three hours to 47 minutes.

Earlier this month, the country launched a cooling train specifically designed to withstand icy temperatures. The CR400AF-G train can travel up to 350 kilometers per hour in weather as cold as -40 degrees Celsius (-40 degrees Fahrenheit).
It will run on routes between Beijing, Shenyang and Harbin – the latter of which is so cold that it hosts an annual snow and ice festival.

CNN’s Shanshan Wang reported.

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