China Unveils Fastest High-Speed Train in the World

Officials in China have debuted a new model of high-speed train, which they say could be the world’s fastest when it enters commercial service. Newsweek contacted the China State Railway Group for comment via email. Why It Matters The CR450 bullet train prototype, which debuted in Beijing on Sunday, has a test speed of 450 kilometers (280 miles) per hour, authorities said—meaning it would break records already set by China for the fastest high-speed train. The CR400, which was introduced in 2017 and holds the record, operates at speeds of 350 kilometers per hour. A photo of the CR450AF bullet train in Beijing on December 29. Authorities say it will be the fastest high-speed train in the world. A photo of the CR450AF bullet train in Beijing on December 29. Authorities say it will be the fastest high-speed train in the world. Xinhua What To Know According to the China State Railway Group, the CR450 will feature a 22 percent reduction in overall operational resistance and a 10 percent decrease in weight compared to its predecessors. The new prototypes, the CR450AF and CR450BF, are designed with an eight-car formation comprising four powered and four nonpowered carriages, according to train manufacturer CRRC. A release said the trains feature a water-cooled, permanent magnet traction system, and more than 4,000 sensors “for the real-time monitoring of key systems, including car body, high-voltage pantograph, train control and fire detection systems.” The CR450 also incorporates noise reduction technologies, lowering interior noise levels by 2 decibels and expanding passenger service space by 4 percent compared to earlier models. An image of the CR450AF bullet train’s interior. China boasts the most extensive network of high-speed rail lines in the world. An image of the CR450AF bullet train’s interior. China boasts the most extensive network of high-speed rail lines in the world. Xinhua An over-the-horizon system has also been used for improved emergency situation recognition, according to CRRC. It said the new model features a design to minimize air resistance at high speeds, along with a streamlined low-drag, sharp-nosed front; aerodynamic windshields; and lightweight materials. Though it reached test speeds of 450 kilometers an hour, authorities said the train’s operating speed was 400 kilometers per hour. According to China Daily, the CR450 has a braking response time of about 1.7 seconds. China operates the most extensive high-speed rail network in the world, with more than 24,855 miles of operational lines, according to a 2023 report from the International Union of Railways. The driving cab of the CR450BF bullet train. Authorities say its operating speed will be 400 kilometers (249 miles) per hour. The driving cab of the CR450BF bullet train. Authorities say its operating speed will be 400 kilometers (249 miles) per hour. Xinhua What People Are Saying Lin Jian, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, wrote on X, formerly Twitter, on December 30: “With a test speed of 450 km/h and an operational speed of 400 km/h, it’s set to be the fastest high-speed train in the world! Faster, safer, more energy-efficient, more comfortable, and smarter!” What Happens Next According to an official statement, the China State Railway Group plans to conduct a series of line tests for the prototypes and refine technical specifications to expedite the CR450’s entry into commercial service. Do you have a story we should be covering? Do you have any questions about this article? Contact LiveNews@newsweek.com.