China unveils prototype of the world's fastest train capable of 450 km/h

(Patria) - The prototype of the high-speed train named CR450, unveiled in Beijing on December 29, reached a speed of 450 kilometers per hour, meaning the world could soon have a new fastest train.



When it enters commercial operation, the new train will surpass the current Chinese model CR400, which debuted in 2017 and operates at a speed of 350 kilometers per hour, writes Punkufer.

The latest CR450 prototype is developed by companies CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicles and CRRC Sifang, who praise its speed, as well as its energy efficiency, noise control, and braking performance.

The prototype has undergone over 2,000 tests to meet the rigorous requirements for commercial operation, according to China Daily, but further testing and improvements are needed to meet strict standards.

In the last decade, China has become the undisputed world leader in railway development, building thousands of kilometers of new lines that reach almost every corner of the country.

China's railway network spans over 160,000 kilometers, including more than 46,000 kilometers of high-speed rail lines.

High-speed trains are an ecological and efficient alternative to China's air transport, connecting large cities with rural areas.

Since the 1980s, hundreds of billions of dollars have been invested in new high-capacity high-speed railways across Europe and Asia, introduced by Japan's Shinkansen and France's Train a Grand Vitesse (TGV).