CRRC builds world’s fastest maglev train

The maglev train of the Chinese state-owned CRRC left the production line in the eastern Chinese city of Qingdao on Tuesday, as state news agency Xinhua reported. The train is said to be capable of reaching a speed of 600 kilometers per hour. This makes it the fastest train in the world, according to the news agency. The completion is “a great achievement in the development of the country’s rail transportation,” China’s State Council announced. The train is to be tested for several years before being put into service. In addition, maglev lines would have to be built first. The first trains could be in service in five to ten years. China’s first maglev train, the Transrapid, began operations in Shanghai in 2002. (In Monday’s issue of China.Table you will find a detailed interview with Transrapid planner Hartmut Heine). ari