Chinese Maglev Train: Maglev train production on track in central Hunan

World
Europe

02:42

Compared to traditional metro and light rail systems, magnetic levitation trains, or maglev's, are considered safer and cheaper. But it used to be that only Germany, Japan, and a few other well-industrialized countries had such train technology. Well one company in central China's Hunan Province is celebrating a big breakthrough. CGTN's Cui Hui'ao tells us more.

A Maglev Train with all Chinese technology. Developer CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive is a pioneer in the nation's maglev production.

CUI HUI'AO ZHUZHOU, HUNAN PROVINCE "Back in 2016, China's first medium-low-speed maglev rail line was put into commercial operation right here in Hunan Province. Until now, the trains have carried millions of passengers with no incidents."

DENG JIANGMING, SENIOR ENGINEER MAGLEV SYSTEM INSTITUTE, CRRC "Germany and Japan started developing maglev trains four decades ago. Building on their experience, it took China 20 years to master core maglev mechanization like levitation control, special bogie design and linear driving. It was a lot of tough work."

The cutting edge maglev technology and development is fueled by China's strategy to promote high-end manufacturing.

CUI HUI'AO ZHUZHOU, HUNAN PROVINCE "That train brings China into the ranks of only a handful of countries that can offer world-class medium-low maglev train technology. But the innovation did not end there."

This June, a new generation of maglev trains rolled off the production line. They can run up to 160 kilometers per hour, compared with the first generation's top speed of 100.

DENG JIANGMING, SENIOR ENGINEER MAGLEV SYSTEM INSTITUTE, CRRC "The 2.0 maglev train features a 60 percent increase in traction ability and can carry up to 500 passengers. It provides a new option for the market."

Not only is the 2.0 model faster and stronger, compared to its predecessor, which could only operate within a city, this train can move people between central and satellite cities.

CUI HUI'AO ZHUZHOU, HUNAN PROVINCE "Developments to bring out the best of the domestically designed maglev are still ongoing. The company will launch a production line with intelligent manufacturing systems next year."

DENG JIANGMING, SENIOR ENGINEER MAGLEV SYSTEM INSTITUTE, CRRC "In the future, robots and robotic arms will get most of the work done at production sites. Trains will be completely unmanned. And we are developing a remote control system that ensures safe operation of the trains."

Dr. Deng says China is forming its own complete industrial chain of middle-to-low speed maglev trains. He hopes that in the near future it can set a Chinese maglev standard for the rest of the world to emulate. Cui Hui'ao, CGTN, Zhuzhou.