(Yicai) July 11 -- A super-fast maglev train that can reach a speed of 600 kilometers per hour, designed and developed by Chinese companies, has made its debut at the 17th China International Modern Railway Technology and Equipment Exhibition in Beijing, The Paper reported.

The maglev train is equipped with high-temperature superconducting magnets that provide reliable traction for the train, as well as a low-temperature thermostat and low-temperature refrigeration units to ensure that the superconducting system remains stable even under extreme conditions, Shao Nan, senior engineer at CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicles, the developer of the train, said at Modern Railways.

The maglev train is expected to shorten the travel time between Beijing and Shanghai to two and a half to three hours, Shao noted. Fast trains between the two Chinese cities now take a minimum of four and a half hours.

"Due to the integration of various technologies, such as fifth-generation network communication, artificial intelligence video capture, and acoustic sensing, this new train is equipped with fully automatic driving capabilities," Shao explained, without revealing the timeline for the product's commercial operation.  

Because the maglev train's maximum speed exceeds that of an aircraft during takeoff, its design and materials must pass stringent safety assessments and certifications, The Paper reported, citing industry experts. The commercial model of the train also needs to be validated for feasibility, they added.

The only maglev line currently in operation in China is the one connecting Shanghai Pudong International Airport with Longyang Road station, a subway hub station close to the city center, with about 30 km in total mileage.

Editor: Futura Costaglione