The world’s fastest train, CR450, developed by China, is currently undergoing type testing on the Beijing Ring Railway. The train has a test speed of 450 kilometres per hour and a commercial operating speed of 400 kilometres per hour—around 100 kilometres per hour faster than the earlier CR400 Fuxing model.

According to Wang Feng, Vice President of CRRC Corporation, the CR450 high-speed train sets a new benchmark in technology, safety and operational performance. To achieve higher speeds, improvements have been made to its traction capacity, dynamic performance and pantograph system.

The train features a water-cooled permanent magnet traction system, a new generation of high-stability bogies, and AI-enabled multi-system technologies. It is equipped with more than 4,000 sensors that monitor movement, car body condition, traction, braking and fire detection systems in real time.

By using lightweight materials, the overall weight of the train has been reduced by about 10 per cent, while air resistance during operation has been cut by roughly 22 per cent.

Special materials and aerodynamic design have also been applied to reduce noise, lowering cabin noise levels by around 2 decibels, making the journey quieter for passengers.