From Shanghai Maglev To AGV Italo, These Are Some Of The Fastest-Running Trains In The World

Blink and you'll miss them... or leave the house a couple of minutes late and you'll definitely have to fetch yourself another.

Of course, we are talking about high speed trains! The world has changed a lot since the introduction of the first high-speed rail in Japan on the T身kaid身 Shinkansen line in 1964. The Shinkansen had an initial top speed of 210 km/h (130.5 mph). There are now more than 20 countries with high-speed rail networks.

Today, China and Japan lead the race to modern high speed trains with European countries like France and Spain not very far behind.

Let's look at some of the fastest-running trains in the world.

1. Shanghai Maglev, China

The fastest train in regular commercial service is the Shanghai Maglev, which operates between Shanghai's Pudong Airport and the Longyang metro station on the city's outskirts.

Xinhua

It can reach a high speed of 431 kmph and the train takes less than nine seconds to travel a kilometre, and just over seven minutes to cover the 30-kilometre distance.

Maglev trains - float on a magnetic field that exists between the train and the track. Powerful magnets attached to the track allow this train to levitate and move forward.

Since there is no contact with tracks, there is no noise or vibration. However, long-distance maglev is not yet viable because the tracks have to be dead straight, and it is prohibitively expensive to manufacture. There is only one other operational maglev system in the world at South Korea＊s Incheon Airport that runs at a mere 68 mph.

Although they are fast, quiet and require less maintenance than traditional trains, maglev trains have not caught on more widely because building costs are much higher than even high-speed rail lines.

Also read: China Unveils Maglev Train That Travels At Speed Of 650 Kilometres Per Hour

2. Fuxing Hao CR400AF/BF, China

China is leading the high-speed rail network, and they incidentally have the world＊s fastest conventional long-distance train in the form of Fuxing Hao CR400. With a capacity for over 550 passengers, it runs between Shanghai and Beijing in just five hours. Fuxing Hao name means revitalisation.

Xinhua

The two models AF and BF, slightly different from each other, are also known as ※Dolphin Blue§ and ※Golden Phoenix.§ The trains usually operate in eight and sixteen car sets.

This Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) train was started in June 2017 and currently, it is the second fastest train in the world with the highest operational speed of 400 kmph. Some striking features of this train are completely vibration-free coaches, VIP sightseeing section, free Wi-Fi facility, and a separate unit for serving drinks and food.

These trains have low-weight aluminum alloy bodies and fish-head fronts. This design reduces aerodynamic pressure. The train bodies are also vibration-free, making for a more comfortable passenger experience.

3. Shinkansen H5 and E5, Japan

The legend, the first to grace the planet and for many people, the only ※bullet train.§ Japan is the birthplace of the modern high-speed railways＊ network. The network centers around Tokyo and stretches to Sapporo in the north to Nagasaki in the south.

Kyodo News

Jointly manufactured by Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) and Hitachi, these are operated and maintained by East Japan Railway Company (JR East). The Shinkansen H5 series operates on Tohoku services and E5 series operates on Hokkaido services.

Both these trains have 3 different classes for passengers namely Standard, Green, and Gran. The main attraction of these duo trains is their Gran class which offers all high-end luxury facilities. There are extra comfortable reclining seats with leather coating in this class. The E5 train starts at Tokyo and finishes at Shin-Aomori station.

There are nine operational routes with another four set to come into operation by 2023. There trains can run at an operational speed of 224 mph (360 kmph), There are several models of bullet trains of which the H5 is the latest. Entering service in 2016, the fastest bullet train has an appearance not unlike the Talgo 350. The cars are silent due to excellent acoustic suppression, and all the seats face forward.

Also read: This Train Turns Methane From Human Waste Into Electricity As Eco-Friendly Fuel

4. AGV Italo, Italy

This train tops the list of fastest commercially running trains in Europe. An acronym for French: Automotrice 角 grande vitesse, AGV is built by a French manufacturing company called Alstom.

Flickr

Nicknamed ※Ferrari of the tracks,§ the plum red trains are quite an admired ride in Europe.

Operating between two Italian cities, Rome and Naples, this train completes its journey of 226 km in under 1 hour. Although it was started for public use in 2012, AGV train set a world record in 2007 during its trial run when it achieved a whopping speed of 574.8 km/h. C

Currently, it runs with a maximum operational speed of 360 kmph. The most interesting thing about AGV Italo is that 98% of its parts are recyclable which makes it the cleanest and most eco-friendly train in our list. It has 3 different classes for passengers namely Club, Prima, and Smart. In all these classes, there are facilities for live television, free Wi-Fi, and adjustable leather seats.

5. Siemens Velaro E/AVS 103, Spain

Siemens Velaro E/AVS 103 is the fastest running train in Spain and second fastest in Europe. It is developed by a German company called Siemens and operated in Spain by the state-owned company Renfe. Operating between Barcelona and Madrid, this train is one of the many Velaro trains operating in Spain.

El Pais

It has a maximum operational speed of 350 km/h. Started in 2007, this train completes its journey of 625 km in less than 2 hours and 30 minutes. It is also now a preferred mode of travel between two of Europe's most popular cities - Barcelona and Paris. It takes only 6 hours thanks to Velaro E/AVS 103.

Over the years, the train model has undergone changes which involved an up-rate to a higher power (8,800 kW or 11,800 hp) for higher acceleration and top speed to cover the 651 km (405 mi) between Barcelona and Madrid in less time, the ability to operate in a high range of temperatures, and a different interior.

It is an eight car multiple unit train whose design was inspired by the latest developments of ICE 3 train sets which were highly successful. An interesting thing about this train is that it is an electric multiple unit (EMU) train which means all modules related to traction and technical equipment are distributed under floor over the length of the train. It offers excellent running comfort along with other facilities like large screen televisions, live radio at each seat, coffee machines, and many more.

6. Alstom Euroduplex, France

It is a high-speed, double decker, electric multiple unit (EMU) train manufactured by a French company named Alstom. This train is mainly operated and maintained by the French national railway company SNCF.

YouTube

Euroduplex trains are allowed to travel between different European countries such as France, Germany, Spain, Switzerland, and Luxembourg.

The train has an operational speed of 320 kmph which makes it one of the fastest trains running in Europe. Started in December 2011, this train has the capacity of 1020 passengers at a time.

7. DeutscheBahn ICE, Germany

ICE trains are one of the most important trains operating in Europe along with Euroduplex. It interconnects various European countries including Germany, Austria, Denmark, France, Belgium, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. ICE stands for Intercity Express and these are flagship trains of German state railway, Deutsche Bahn.

Railteam.eu

The maximum operating speed for these luxurious trains is 320 km/h. The distinct futuristic white and silver color of this train combined with red cheatline is a treat to watch speeding past by scenic German countryside. There are currently 259 train sets of these ICE trains operating in Germany and neighboring countries.

Also read: Train Connecting Prague, Vienna & Budapest To Each Other For Almost Rs 1,500, Starts In Europe