China unveiled a maglev train capable of a top speed of 600 kph on Tuesday, state media said.

The maximum speed would make the train, self-developed by China and manufactured in the coastal city of Qingdao, the fastest ground vehicle globally.

Using electromagnetic force, the maglev train "levitates" above the track with no contact between body and rail.

China has been using the technology for almost two decades on a very limited scale. Shanghai has a short maglev line running from one of its airports to town.

Also Read: China heightens activity along LAC in Uttarakhand, Indian Army on alert

While there are no inter-city or inter-province maglev lines yet in China that could make good use of the higher speeds, some cities including Shanghai and Chengdu have started to conduct research.

At 600 kph, it would only take 2.5 hours to travel from Beijing to Shanghai by train - a journey of more than 1,000 km (620 miles).

Also Read: Xi Jinping calls in PLA as unprecedented floods hit central China; 1 lakh evacuated

By comparison, the journey would take 3 hours by plane and 5.5 hours by high-speed rail.

Countries from Japan to Germany are also looking to build maglev networks, although high costs and incompatibility with current track infrastructure remain hurdles to rapid development.

'Did I really deserve it?' Aryan Khan breaks silence after NCB drug probe

Food security, greater Covid vax distribution top agenda at WTO meet

Was never about money: Johnny Depp may not make Amber Heard pay him

Do aliens exist? Nasa set to study mysterious UFO sightings in skies

Prophet remark row: Cop injured as protest turn violent in Ranchi

South Stars Nayanthara and Vignesh Shivan Tie The Knot, Here's How Their Love Story Began

DIU Video: India's Covid-19 Snapshot

Prophet remark row: Now, protest breaks out in Karnataka's Chikkamagaluru

Curfew to be imposed in Ranchi after clashes break out during protest

Curfew to be imposed in Ranchi after clashes break out during protest

Protests over Nupur Sharma's remarks: Fury of faithful or organised outrage?

Protests over Nupur Sharma's Prophet remarks: Bengal Governor seeks on Kolkata violence

Copyright © 2022 Living Media India Limited. For reprint rights: Syndications Today

Add IndiaToday to Home Screen