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The high-speed rail system in China has seen an astonishing level of growth over the past 15 years, and it now accounts for approximately two-thirds of the world’s total length of high-speed railway lines. Naturally, China’s high-speed rail model has also experienced the growth of global interest and many countries will attempt to follow China’s efforts in the promotion of its high-speed railway system, according to the World Bank.
Most of the early high-speed trains in China were imported or built under technology transfer agreements with foreign train-manufacturers. Since the initial technological support, Chinese engineers have re-designed internal train components and built their own trains for domestic travel. With their own technology in place, the country has been able to extend the railway system across the whole of China in an unprecedentedly fast and efficient manner. As a result, the high-speed rail system (HSR) in China has greatly reduced travel time and has fundamentally transformed Chinese society, as well as advancing the economy. A World Bank study found that "a broad range of travelers of different income levels choose HSR for its comfort, convenience, safety and punctuality”.
China has also directed its efforts into building a new type of extremely fast train using magnetic levitation, which showcases the highest level of expertise. Magnetic levitation, also known as maglev, uses a set of powerful magnets to glide along charged tracks without any friction at high speed. Several short distance maglev trains are already operational, including the maglev line connecting Shanghai with its Pudong Airport, at the outskirts of the city. Nevertheless, China’s ambitions include developing the long-distance intercity lines for fast transportation between its major hubs. The next major project that is expected to be completed around 2035 will connect Shanghai with the port city of Ningbo and it is estimated to cost around CNY 100 billion (USD 15 billion).
The global market for rail infrastructure projects today is estimated to be more than USD 2 trillion. Undoubtedly, shall China succeed in launching its new projects and turning them profitable, the country should expect to become a global leader in high-speed rail infrastructure.
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