China: High-speed train faster than short-distance plane, 1,200km takes 2.5 hours

(Dan Tri) - China has just launched a 600km/h super-speed maglev train, faster than an airplane over short distances. Travel time from Beijing to Shanghai, 1,200km, is shortened to 2.5 hours, opening a new era of transportation.

A Chinese-made maglev train, expected to become the fastest land vehicle in the country's history, has just been officially launched in Beijing.

Projected image of the bullet train with a maximum speed of 600km/h (Photo: News).

The train can reach a maximum speed of 600km/h. The vehicle was introduced at the 17th Modern Railway Exhibition held on July 11. This is part of an ambitious project to significantly shorten travel times and affirm China's leading position in the global high-speed rail sector.

Experts say the event reveals an ambitious future vision for China's railway industry.

This is a product of the China Railway Industry Corporation (CRRC). The bullet train has a modern aerodynamic design with a pointed tip to reduce air resistance. The video released by China Central Television (CCTV) shows the futuristic interior of the train, with large screens equipped for passengers.

According to a CRRC representative, the first phase of the manufacturing process was completed in July 2024. The ship will now continue to undergo route, safety and technical capability tests before being put into commercial operation.

An article in The Paper stated that when officially put into operation, this maglev train will serve as an effective and efficient transportation tool between major cities, supplementing the existing railway network.

For example, with a top speed of 600km/h, the maglev could cut the 1,200km journey from Beijing to Shanghai, which currently takes about 5.5 hours on the high-speed train, but would be shortened to just 2.5 hours.

Inside the maglev train, China's fastest ground transport ever (Photo: News).

Thus, with a maximum speed of 600km/h, this high-speed train is considered to be faster than an airplane over short distances. Small aircraft or short-range civil aircraft usually have speeds from 500km/h to 700km/h. The specific speed may vary depending on the type of aircraft, weather conditions and load.

For example, propeller planes have lower speeds, around 300-500km/h, while small jet planes are usually around 600-700km/h.

CRRC senior engineer Shao Nan said they expect the high-speed train to “fill the speed gap between high-speed rail and aviation within a range of 2,000km”, combining the punctuality and safety of rail with the speed of aircraft.

In addition, high-speed superconducting magnetic levitation technology also promises to bring environmentally friendly and energy-efficient transportation. The train has high speed, low operating noise, zero emissions, low long-term maintenance costs thanks to the contactless system that reduces friction and mechanical wear.

It is known that maglev technology uses electromagnetic induction between the superconducting magnet on the train and the rails, helping the train to hover after reaching a speed of 150km/h. Before that speed threshold, the train is supported by rubber wheels.

China previously opened its first maglev railway in 2003, connecting Shanghai Pudong International Airport with the city center. The train line was designed by Germany. China also had its first domestic maglev line put into operation in 2016. This line is low-speed, reaching a maximum speed of only 120km/h.

China’s high-speed rail network has exploded since the mid-2000s, becoming the world’s largest. By the end of 2024, it will have a total length of 48,000 kilometers. Railway officials aim to reach over 50,000 kilometers this year.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/du-lich/trung-quoc-tau-sieu-toc-nhanh-hon-may-bay-cu-ly-ngan-1200km-ton-25-gio-20250712112458039.htm