(Yicai Global) Aug. 14 -- CRRC Corp.'s [SHA:601766] affiliate, CRRC Dalian Co., and Southwest Jiaotong University have developed a new generation of mid-to-low speed maglev trains. One recently completed a 120 kilometer per hour operational test in Shanghai, setting a world record for mid-to-low speed maglev trains.

The successful pilot run showed China has mastered core technology in new-generation magnetic levitation systems, state-run Xinhua news agency quoted CRRC Dalian Chief Engineer Qu Tianwei as saying yesterday. Mass production will begin in a year or more, Qu said.

The train can run at a maximum speed of 160 km/h. Compared with similar trains that are in operation, this one is faster and better at handling curves and slopes.

The new mid-to-low speed maglevs will cost more to make than urban light rail transit systems and less than subways, researchers said. Its carrying capacity is on par with light rails and less than subways.

China is expected to build five or more mid-to-low speed commercial maglev lines by 2020, per the Chinese Academy of Engineering's research on transportation technology and industrial development strategy. More than a dozen large and medium-sized cities, including Beijing, Tianjin, Wuhan, Chengdu and Guangzhou, are planning maglev projects.