China rolled out a prototype high-speed Maglev train,hitting speeds up to 620 kilometers per hour (385 miles per hour). Unveiled January 13 in Chengdu,Sichuan Province, the 21-meter-long (69 feet) train floats above magnetized tracks, powered by high-temperature superconducting (HTS) tech.
Researchers built 165-meter (541 feet) track to show off the train's abilities. This aligns with China's push to boost its vast high-speed rail network, over 37,000 kilometers long, which features world's fastest commercial train,Shanghai Maglev.
Professor He Chuan, vice president of Southwest Jiaotong University, said train could be running in three to ten years. He pointed to Sichuan's rich rare earth resources as key for making permanent magnet tracks,speeding up development.
China also launched high-speed Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) train, Fuxing, for extreme cold. It operates at minus 40 degrees Celsius,speeds of 350 kilometers per hour, between Beijing and Harbin,Heilongjiang's capital.
To tackle freezing temps,engineers added ceramic porous material in power distribution cabinet. It stores condensed water,evaporating as compartment warms,ensuring safe operations .
China ramps up rail infrastructure as it gears up for 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. Last year, a 174-kilometer high-speed line cut travel from Beijing to Zhangjiakou, Games' host city,from three hours to 47 minutes.
Besides Maglev prototype,China unveiled a winter-ready bullet train, CR400AF-G model,this month. Travels 350 kilometers per hour,even at minus 40 degrees Celsius . Runs from Beijing to Shenyang and Harbin,famous for snow and ice festival.
China's high-speed rail innovation drive is part of broader strategy to boost transport efficiency, connectivity . Maglev prototype,EMU advances show China's push to lead rail tech…
