CHANGCHUN, Oct. 29 (Xinhua) -- China has developed a new type of high-speed train that can run on different rail systems to facilitate cross-border travel.
With a maximum speed of 400 km per hour, the train has been designed to convert its rail mode in just a few minutes while running on international routes.
Photo taken on Oct. 21, 2020 shows the new type of high-speed train which can run on different rail systems in Changchun, northeast China's Jilin Province. (Xinhua/Zhang Nan)
The world's four main railway track standards range from 1,067 mm to 1,676 mm. When ordinary trains run between countries with different gauges, and arrive at certain borders, at this point, there are two options. Either the staff replace the train bogies, which usually takes at least three hours, or passengers and cargo transfer trains.
The new train, equipped with gauge-changing bogies beneath the cabins, can change its rail mode as it runs through a particular section of the gauge-changing track, which is pre-installed to connect two different rails. The whole conversion process is smoothly completed that passengers barely notice what's happening underneath them.
A staff member controls a new type of high-speed train which can run on different rail systems in Changchun, northeast China's Jilin Province, Oct. 21, 2020. (Xinhua/Zhang Nan)
According to the developer, Chinese train maker CRRC Corporation Ltd., the train can operate in temperatures between minus 50 degrees Celsius and 50 degrees Celsius. It can also operate under different traction power supply systems and railway transportation standards of other countries.
Photo taken on Oct. 21, 2020 shows an inside view of a new type of high-speed train which can run on different rail systems in Changchun, northeast China's Jilin Province. (Xinhua/Zhang Nan)
Cross-border rail services have gathered steam in the recent decade. A total of 7,601 China-Europe freight train trips were made in the first eight months of this year. The rail connectivity project initiated by China to boost exchanges with European countries have been an important part of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative.
Photo taken on Oct. 21, 2020 shows a new type of high-speed train which can run on different rail systems in Changchun, northeast China's Jilin Province. (Xinhua/Zhang Nan)
The new CRRC train has been tested on the special gauge-changing track, which connects a 1,435 mm wide track and a 1,520 mm wide one. This significant development is expected to improve the border-crossing experience and cut the cost of international travel.
Staff members look at screens to check the running of the new type of high-speed train which can run on different rail systems in Changchun, northeast China's Jilin Province, Oct. 21, 2020. (Xinhua/Zhang Nan)
"Based on the prototype and the technology behind it, Chinese train makers can customize trains and other related products according to the technical standards and operational requirements of various countries and regions," said Wang Lei, an expert with CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicles Co., Ltd. ■
