China develops High-Speed Train Capable of Travelling at 600kph

China develops High-Speed Train Capable of Travelling at 600kph
© WuYi | Unsplash

China Develops High-Speed Train Capable of Travelling at 600kph

The new high-speed train, capable of travelling at a maximum speed of 600kph/373mph, will reduce travel time between Beijing and Shanghai to just two and a half hours.

The floating train

Based on magnetic levitation, often referred to as ‘maglev’, the high speed of the train is achieved by electromagnetic force that sees the train floating above the track. This maglev train has been manufactured in the coastal city of Qingdao and it is expected to be in service within ten years. Maglev technology uses electro-magnetic force to lift the train above the rails, so there is no contact between the carriage and the track.

The future of transportation

While maglev is seen as the future of transport, even after more than a century of research and development, the system is only operational in three countries: South Korea, Japan and China. The train would cut the travel time between Beijing and Shanghai to just two and a half hours. By comparison, the journey would take three hours by plane and nearly six hours by high-speed rail.

The high speed is not the only advantage of maglev trains. Because the trains rarely touch the track, noise and vibration are minimised. Less vibration and friction results in fewer mechanical breakdowns, meaning that maglev trains are less likely to be affected by weather-related delays.

Hanh Dinh
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