The high-speed train system, or bullet trains, in China continues to expand at a dizzying pace, and is projected to break speed records in 2025.
One of the keys in mobility and logistics is the Asian giant’s high-speed rail system with 45,000 kilometers, consolidating itself as the largest network globally.
As part of China’s 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025), the transportation sector has set ambitious goals, and The government placed a strong emphasis on the modernization of its trains.
One of the most notable aspects of the Chinese railway system is its operational speed. Fuxing bullet trains reach 350 km/hThey are the fastest in the world in commercial operation.
Valora Analitik traveled to the Asian giant to learn first-hand about this transportation system that continues to revolutionize mobility globally.
The first word to try to describe the transportation system would be futuristic, a station Main train station is comparable to airport terminals.
They are designed on two levels, the first where the trains are and the second the boarding rooms, giant screens, shops, restaurants, cafes and all the services you may need before a trip.
Thousands of people pass through the stations every day to cross the country from one end to the other. Most buy their tickets online, which makes the process quick and easy.
The trains leave on time, and on board, the seats are similar to those on an airplane or even better. While the train accelerates to reach speeds of between 320 and 350 km/h, the speed is barely perceived inside; The movements are minimal, almost imperceptible.
During the trip, passengers can buy food on the train, the on-board catering service includes basic options, but there is another more modern option and that is to order your food – from the restaurant you want – and receive it a few stations later.
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China continues with its foot on the accelerator, its goal is to connect 95% of the cities that have the most of 500,000 inhabitants by 2025.
In collaboration with China State Railway Group The new promise is being consolidated, the development of a new train, known as the CR450, which is expected to reach speeds up to 450 km/h.
This train hopes to reduce travel times on key routes, such as the Beijing-Shanghai line, where the journey could go from four hours to two and a half.
The story continues
The CR450 has undergone tests, including those carried out on the Fuzhou-Xiamen high-speed line in Fujian province. The train reached speeds of 453 km/h, demonstrations included tours of the Meizhou Bay Bridge and Haiwei Tunnel, evaluating the train’s performance in various environments.
The CR450 project also covers infrastructure improvementssuch as high-speed rail lines, bridges and tunnels, designed to support these next-generation trains.
If the schedule by the Chinese government is met, the overall design is expected to be finalized soon, with the goal of entering into operation in 2025, setting a record in the speed of commercial trains.
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Although China hopes to break records with its CR450 project, the Japanese are following closely with its L0 Series train, which will begin operating in 2027. Developed by the Central Japan Railway Company (JR Central), the L0 Series Maglev uses magnetic levitation to float on the tracks, which eliminates friction and allows reach extreme speeds. In a test the train reached a record of 603 km/h.
As it is, China will be the first to ring the bell, until Japan launches its body in full commercial operation under the Chūō Shinkansen project, a line that will initially connect Tokyo and Nagoya, with a future extension to Osaka.
