A prototype of the CR450 EMU, China’s latest high-speed bullet train model, made its debut in Beijing on Sunday. Once operational, it is expected to achieve a maximum speed of 400 kilometers per hour, positioning it as the world’s fastest high-speed train, according to China’s national railway operator.
The train is anticipated to significantly cut travel times and enhance connectivity, providing more convenient and efficient travel options for the country’s vast passenger population, China State Railway Group Co (China Railway) told the Global Times on Sunday.
During testing, the CR450 prototype reached a top speed of 450 kilometers per hour. It set new global standards for key performance metrics, including operational speed, energy efficiency, interior noise levels, and braking performance, according to the company.
Compared to the current CR400 Fuxing high-speed trains, which operate at a maximum speed of 350 kilometers per hour, the CR450 will be considerably faster. It will also reduce operational resistance by 22 percent and weigh 10 percent less than its predecessor, China Railway noted.
The advancements made in the CR450 project mark a significant step forward in China’s railway technology innovation, reinforcing the nation’s global leadership and self-reliance in the high-speed rail sector, according to the company.
China boasts the world’s largest and most advanced high-speed rail network and is now poised to further enhance passenger experiences with faster, more efficient, and more comfortable rail services.
As of September, the country’s high-speed rail network spans over 46,000 kilometers, accounting for more than 70 percent of the global total, as reported by Xinhua News Agency.