World’s fastest high-speed train blazes to 453 km/h in pre-service trials

China has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in high-speed rail technology with its CR450 bullet train, which reached an astonishing speed of 453 kilometers per hour during pre-service trials. This achievement solidifies the CR450’s position as the world’s fastest high-speed train, surpassing its predecessor, the CR400, which operates at 350 km/h. The trials are being conducted on the high-speed rail line connecting Shanghai and Chengdu, as reported by Science and Technology Daily. The CR450 is engineered for a top test speed of 450 km/h and a commercial service speed of 400 km/h, showcasing China’s leadership in rail innovation. The train’s design features a longer, sleeker nose, a 20-centimeter lower roofline, and a 50-tonne weight reduction, reducing aerodynamic drag by 22 percent. Additionally, the CR450 can accelerate from 0 to 350 km/h in just 4 minutes and 40 seconds, and two trains set a record by passing each other at a combined speed of 896 km/h. Before entering commercial service, the CR450 will undergo rigorous testing, logging 600,000 trouble-free kilometers to ensure passenger safety and reliability. This development marks a significant leap forward in high-speed rail technology, reinforcing China’s commitment to advancing transportation infrastructure.