China to Advance 600 km/h Maglev Train Research Under New Technology Plan

China's National Railway Administration has unveiled its "Fifteenth Five-Year Plan for Railway Science and Technology Innovation," outlining key objectives for the development of the nation's railway sector. The plan emphasizes technological progress and modernization.

A significant focus is placed on advancing high-speed train technologies. This includes conducting engineering research for trains operating at 400 km/h, aiming to develop a series of CR450 bullet trains. The plan also calls for steady and orderly promotion of research and domestic key technology trials for 600 km/h high-speed magnetic levitation (maglev) trains.

In terms of services, the plan aims to intelligently upgrade passenger services. It proposes research into integrated travel solutions that cater to individual passenger needs and link various transportation modes. The "12306" ticketing platform is also slated for an upgrade from a simple booking system to a comprehensive intelligent service covering the entire journey.

Furthermore, the plan highlights the deepening of "Artificial Intelligence + Railway" applications. By leveraging AI, IoT, and big data from railway operations and maintenance, the administration seeks to develop specialized AI models for precise prediction and intelligent decision-making. This initiative aims to enhance safety and enable personalized services within the railway system.