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| China's new high-speed rail line linking its two biggest cities begins operating later this month. |
The 1300-kilometer new high-speed line is the latest example of China's astonishing drive to modernize its railway infrastructure. CCTV reporter Keith Crane takes a look at the trains which will serve the two cities.
The bullet train, "Harmony 380A", has been developed over the past seventeen years. With its streamlined shape it catches people's eye wherever it appears. More than 100 design drafts were put forward by designers, who are masters of industrial design. But technical performance alone was not enough. The winning design also needed to reflect traditional Chinese culture, 20 plans were finally selected for the next round, a simulation experiment.
Wang Wanjing, Chief Body Designer of 380A bullet train said, "We made scale models at a ratio of 1:20 for those 20 trains to test their visual effects. We also made technical and cultural analysis. The head of the train is like a person's face, so we needed high technology and excellent dynamic performance, and the cultural meaning behind it."
The train's high speed is its most outstanding feature. It can travel at 300-kilometers per hour, that means travel time between the two metropolises will be cut to about five hours, instead of more than twice that. However, the high-speed still needs to allow passengers to feel comfortable.
Zhao Guotang, Chief Engineer of Beijing-Shanghai High Speed Railway Co., said, "The high-speed railway is the result of efforts made by engineers across many generations, the high stability of bridges, tunnels and trackbed, smooth-riding features, a reliable telecommunication system, are a testament to China's high-speed railway technology system and a step forward in railway development in the world as a whole. "
The line is also environmentally-friendly. It serves as a bridge flying over China's four river systems, and the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal, the longest artificial river in the world with more than two thousand years' history. Therefore, it's seen as an example of land saving, and passengers' watch beautiful views as they pass by.
Chief Engineer of 4th Survey and Design Inst of China Railway, said, "Compared with the average trackbed covering more than 4.6 hectares, it only covers about 1.8 hectares, saving 60% land."
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| China's new high-speed rail line linking its two biggest cities begins operating later this month. |
The train links the country's five major transport hubs, including Beijing, Tianjin and Jinan, connecting the Bohai Economic Rim in northern China and Yangtze River Delta Region in eastern China. The line connects a quarter of China's 1.3 billion population and more than 40% of its economic power.
Executive Vice Mayor of Jinan City said, "We're planning the establishment of a new city centered around the high-speed railway, it's expected to cover more than 100 square kilometers."
90 pairs of trains are on trial with three classes of seats. The VIP business carriage has much more space than an airplane, with reading lights and televisions and adjustable seating.
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