China Network of Superfast Trains With Top Speed of 600km/h

China set to step up testing

on country’s fastest-ever maglev train

with top speed of 600km/h

China is planning a network of superfast trains that could slash journey times on major routes. Prototypes of the new trains are set for a series of tests with commercial production slated to start next year. 

The first maglev prototype rolled off the production lines in May 2020.

China’s Ministry of Transport has given the green light to step up tests on its fastest-ever train with a top speed of 600km/h (373 miles per hour).

The ministry approved further tests on the magnetic levitation, or maglev, train in guidelines issued last week on plans to build a smart transport infrastructure, according to Science and Technology Daily.

“The development of high-speed maglev can help China seize the leading rail transit technology and maintain the country's advantage in the field of high-speed rail,” said Wu Donghua, deputy chief engineer from CRRC Qingdao Sifang, which built the prototypes.

“The maglev train is currently the fastest available ground public transport vehicle … the 600km/h maglev train would fill a gap between high-speed rail and aeroplanes.”

Unlike conventional trains, maglev trains hover above the track and are propelled forward by powerful electromagnets, and the lack of friction makes them capable of travelling at much higher speeds.

Will China’s 600km/h maglev train bring air travellers down to earth? Developing the maglev train was listed as one of China’s key goals in transport infrastructure building last year.

The country’s first maglev line, a German-built link between Shanghai airport and the city centre opened in 2003. China opened its first home-built line in Changsha in 2016, but none of the trains built or tested so far have been capable of reaching the new trains’ top speeds of 600km/h.

In July, China announced that it would build up to nine maglev railways covering over 1,000km.

Once the new maglevs enter service they will take two hours off the present journey time between Beijing and Shanghai, cutting it to 3½ hours.

Other planned links include lines in the Yangtze and Pearl River deltas, and Chendgu and Chongqing, two of the biggest cities in the southwest.

Testing has already started on prototypes of the new trains after the first model rolled off CRRC’s production lines in May 2020.

China starts trial run of first home-designed and built maglev rail line
The model was first tested in June and the ministry has approved further tests on the 600km/h train.

The train is scheduled to go into commercial production next year following extensive tests.

Besides China, Germany and Japan are also researching maglev trains and have so far managed top speeds of 550km/h and 603km/h respectively. By contrast, China’s current high-speed trains have a top speed of between 350 and 380km/h.

Coronavirus cases in the world

has reached 20 million and

almost 750,000 deaths

The confirmed number of coronavirus cases in the world has reached 20 million.

Health officials believe the actual number is much higher, given testing limitations and the fact that as many as 40% of all those who are infected have no symptoms.

The U.S., India and Brazil have together accounted for nearly two-thirds of all cases since the world hit 15 million on July 22.

China will allow the return of

foreigners of these countries

China will allow the return of citizens of up to 36 European countries with a valid residence permit in the Asian country.

"As the prevention and control of COVID-19 become regular, in order to facilitate exchanges, China now decides that, foreign nationals from the countries listed below who hold valid residence permits, including work permit, permit for family reunion and personal matters, may apply for visas for free at any Chinese embassy or consulate in these countries."

The list of countries whose citizens residing in China will be allowed to return includes the 27 member states of the European Union, as well as Albania, North Macedonia, Iceland, Bosnia, Montenegro, Norway, Switzerland, Serbia and the United Kingdom.

Since March 28, China has restricted the arrival of foreigners – including residents – and flights from abroad, resulting in a near-total closure of its borders in response to the global spread of COVID-19.

From that point on, the Chinese government made it mandatory for those wishing to come to China to obtain an invitation letter from local governments, who decide to whom it will be granted by prioritizing those whose work is deemed essential and those travelling for family reunification, which in practice has also meant preventing the return of other "non-essential" workers.

Anyone returning to China, where the pandemic appears to be under control, must"comply with the epidemic prevention regulations of the local governments."

Since July 21, it is mandatory for all persons who wish to arrive in China by air to undergo a nucleic acid test (known as PCR) within five days of embarkation.

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