Recently, the Chinese mainland’s push for self-developed technology has propelled its high-speed railways into a new era of speed and smart operations. From icy mountain lines to record-shattering bullet trains, the momentum is undeniable.
The new Shenyang–Baihe high-speed railway in northeastern China showcases this progress. Operating the Fuxing CR400BF-GS EMU—engineered to conquer extreme cold—the line promises reliable service even in subzero temperatures.
Behind the scenes, advances in intelligent manufacturing are revolutionizing track construction. Each 5.6×2.5 meter track slab now rolls off production in just ten minutes, with height variations controlled within a human hair’s thickness, boosting both precision and efficiency, says Yang Zhenhua of China Railway No. 9 Group.
Meanwhile, the CR450 EMU is setting new speed benchmarks. In pre-service trials, it reached 453 km/h on a high-speed line, with a record relative passing speed of 896 km/h—surpassing 400 km/h where no commercial trains have gone before.
Key to this performance are aerodynamic tweaks: a longer, sleeker nose, a 20-centimeter lower roofline and a 50-tonne weight reduction cut drag by 22 percent, tackling the 30 percent resistance jump between 350 and 400 km/h.
The brains behind the brawn are equally impressive. The CTCS-3 ATP and ATO system, independently developed by CRSC Research & Design Institute, boasts full intellectual property ownership and supports autonomous inter-station operation, overspeed protection and pinpoint stopping—even in low visibility.
For routes in western China, a new generation train control system taps the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System, fusing satellite positioning, electronic maps and speed sensors for unmatched accuracy and reliability in harsh environments.
This year, the network is on track to surpass 50,000 kilometers by the end of 2025. China’s high-speed rail story is one of resilience, intelligence and relentless innovation—setting the pace for the future of mobility.
Reference(s):
China's self-developed technology advances its high-speed railways
cgtn.com
