China sets new record in train speed. The new Shanghai-Beijing bullet train has broken a world speed record, hitting a top speed of 486.1 kilometers per hour in a test run, breaking its own record set just two months ago. The record is the highest speed attained by an unmodified train for commercial use.
The French TGV holds the land speed record for a modified train and track at 574.8 km per hour. The record was achieved under special rail test conditions along with a shortened train, engines with increased power output and larger wheels.
Regardless of where the technology comes from, the new high-speed rail line will cut train travel between Beijing and Shanghai from 10 hours to four. This is comparable to the current two-hour flight between the cities, which is closer to four hours when you factor in travel to the airports, checking in and security checks and the all-too-common delays. The train will be open to commuters only towards 2012.
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