China sets new bullet train speed targets

China has set targets to complete prototype production of the CR450 EMU-bullet train designed for the top speed of 450 kilometers per hour. Testing was carried out this year, preparing for the train's debut by 2025, according to China State Railway Group.

Last year, bullet trains traveled at a speed of 453 km/h on test runs in Fujian province, collecting data for trains running under different speeds and at various areas along the railway such as in tunnels, on bridges and around curves.

This year, efforts will be made to promote technology breakthroughs in building more advanced high-speed railways, improving intelligence development of Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway.

Scientists and engineers will also strive to make technology breakthroughs to improve operation safety, enhancing key equipments and infrastructure facilities, according to the company.

China released the plan to develop faster bullet trains in the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25).

Currently, the fastest bullet trains in China operate at speeds of 350 km/h along several lines, including the Beijing-Shanghai High-Speed Railway, the Beijing-Tianjin High-Speed Railway, the Beijing-Zhangjiakou High-Speed Railway and the Chengdu-Chongqing High-Speed Railway.

In 2022, general provisional technical specifications for the CR450 EMU were released by China State Railway Group.

Technical specifications for 13 of the EMU's subsystems were drawn up, and early experiments were also carried out, according to the China Academy of Railway Sciences.

China has also been improving its railway infrastructure as it works on developing faster trains. Some new high-speed railway lines have been built under higher standards that will allow more technologically advanced trains to operate at higher speeds in the future.

China's railway system, especially the high-speed railway network, has seen rapid development over the past 15 years.

By the end of last year, China's high-speed railway network has been extended to 45,000 kilometers, with the nation's overall railway system reaching 159,000 km.