The CR450 China bullet train is the fastest commercial train

Here’s what to know about the CR450 China bullet train that will become the world’s fastest commercial train.

A prototype of the CR450, which is set to become the world’s fastest commercial train when it begins operations in 2025, was officially unveiled in Beijing, China on December 29. When implemented, the train will reportedly cut travel time from Beijing to Shanghai from four hours to two and a half — just 15 minutes shy of the average flight time between the two major cities.

Having reached speeds of 453 km/h during testing, the CR450 is expected to cruise at a commercial operating speed of 400 kilometres an hour. Its predecessor, the CR400 Fuxing high-speed train, currently operates at speeds of 350 km/h.

Setting a new international benchmark, the CR450 will be 22 percent more energy efficient and 10 percent lighter with a 2-decibel reduction in cabin noise and 4 percent increase in passenger service space while traveling on existing high speed rail trunk lines.

China currently has the longest and most extensive high-speed rail network in the world. With the increase in speed and efficiency, taking the train becomes increasingly more attractive compared to flying while traveling within the country.

“Next, we will meticulously organize and schedule a series of tests and assessments in multiple scenarios and at various speed levels to further evaluate the CR450’s performance and accelerate its readiness for commercial operation,” said Zhang Dayong, director of the Science and Information Technology Department of China State Railway Group Co., Ltd.

The fastest train is technically still the Shanghai maglev, the world’s first commercial high-speed maglev, which prior to May 2021 operated at a cruising speed of 431 km/h. However, after a maglev accident in Germany, it now cruises at a maximum speed of 300 km/h on its 30 km route.

Look for the new bullet trains to begin appearing next year and stay tuned for more details.

Images: China Railway