China is about to unveil a prototype of a 450 km/h bullet train.

The latest bullet train model in the Fuxing series can reach speeds of 450 km/h, while also being more environmentally friendly and energy-efficient than previous versions.

China's current bullet trains have a speed of 350 km/h. Photo: Xinhua — China's current bullet trains have a speed of 350 km/h. Photo: *Xinhua*

China Railway Group (CR) announced on November 9th that it will complete production and testing of a prototype that could become the world's fastest high-speed train this year. They will also further upgrade the country's vast railway network, according to CGTN . CR's development plan, by the operator of the world's largest high-speed rail network, marks a breakthrough for the CR450 technology initiative project launched three years ago.

The latest model in the Fuxing bullet train series boasts test speeds of up to 450 km/h and commercial operating speeds of 400 km/h. While existing bullet trains in China can travel at 350 km/h, the CR450 could reduce travel time between Beijing and Shanghai, one of the country's busiest routes, from over four hours to just 2.5 hours.

China commissioned its first high-speed rail line in 2008, and the network plays a vital role in the world's second-largest economy and its population of 1.4 billion. The CR450 is projected to be operational by 2025, with a nationwide research project focusing on key railway technologies ranging from automation and wheel design to steering systems, track upgrades, and safety measures.

In June 2023, CR completed performance testing of key new high-tech components of the CR450, setting a record of 453 km/h in a single test run. This was the world's fastest speed, marking a significant milestone in its development. The test took place on the Meizhou Bay sea bridge, part of the high-speed rail network between Fuzhou and Xiamen cities in Fujian province.

CR stated that the CR450 will be more environmentally friendly and fuel-efficient than existing trains in the Fuxing series. Separate research by Chinese scientists concluded that the carbon emissions of high-speed rail are only 6% of those of air travel and 11% of those of cars.

China plans to expand its railway network to 165,000 km by 2025, including 50,000 km of high-speed rail. At the end of last year, the country's railway network was 159,000 km long, including 45,000 km of high-speed rail. The number of passengers using the national railway network is also expected to increase by 4.7% year-on-year, reaching 3.855 billion in 2024. Meanwhile, the volume of goods transported could reach 3.9 billion tons in 2024, a 0.5% increase compared to 2023.

An Khang (According to CGTN )

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