An experimental high-speed train with a cruising speed of 1000 km/h on magnetic suspension is being built in China. It will be twice as fast as the Shanghai Maglev, the fastest train running at a top speed of 460 km/h. The new project will be tested in Harbin, the capital of the northeastern province of Heilongjiang.

High-speed trains operate on the principle of “Maglev”, short for “magnetic levitation”; this allows trains to levitate and move at high speeds, propelled by strong magnetic fields. Unlike conventional trains that use friction wheels, maglev trains glide over the tracks, eliminating friction. Such trains are only available in China, Japan and Korea.

The new design uses low-vacuum transport tube technology, which has become a key part of the programme, enabling the train to reach high speeds at relatively affordable costs and without sacrificing safety.

Speeds in excess of 1,000 km/h will cause problems that may raise questions about the safety of passengers and infrastructure. It will have to solve tasks such as maintaining low vacuum conditions in the tube and passengers having to deal with such high speeds and powerful accelerations.

In addition, the costs associated with the development and implementation of magnetic suspension train systems need to be considered. The construction of magnetic levitation routes, stations and associated infrastructure requires significant investments.

The low-vacuum tube and related manufacturing plants are owned by World Artery and Harbin Industrial Investment Group Co. will be built in partnership. The former will deal with construction technologies, related patents and other materials, while the latter will be responsible for recording the construction program and providing services, including attracting investment and providing policy advice.