CHANGSHA: A new generation domestic medium-low-speed magnetic levitation (maglev) train reached a top speed of 160kph and passed a medium-speed test on Tuesday (April 28) in central China's Hunan Province, a major step before it begins formal operations.



The test lasting for 10 months was carried out by CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive Co., Ltd., the Hunan maglev technology research centre and the National University of Defence Technology.



As China's first medium-low-speed maglev rail line, the first generation train with a top speed of 100 km per hour was put into commercial operation in May 2016 in Changsha, capital of Hunan.



The new generation maglev train developed in June 2018 has a 30-percent increase in traction efficiency and a 60-percent increase in speed, said Tong Laisheng, head of the maglev research institute of CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive Co, Ltd., the developer.



The new model is suitable for operation between central and satellite cities while the old one is suitable for operation within a city.



CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive is also accelerating the development of a more advanced maglev model with a top speed of 200kph, which is suitable for intercity travel. - Xinhua/Asian News Network

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