Panda-themed monorail train adds to city's magic

Apart from its obvious cuteness, the train is also fitted with intelligent lighting, smart windows, temperature control glass, magnetic assistive listening devices and wireless charging capabilities, Zhang Yang, head of the Chongqing tech development center under the CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicle company, told Xinhua recently.

Notably, the train employs lightweight and energy-saving technologies such as intelligent variable frequency air conditioning and permanent magnet traction motors, significantly enhancing system efficiency, reducing operational energy consumption, and improving economic viability over the vehicle's entire life cycle, Zhang said.

The train is based on Chongqing's next-generation monorail technology platform, as the city advances the system which enjoys global fame for the iconic scene of light rail trains passing through a residential building at the Liziba Station.

The platform, which serves as a tech cornerstone of Chongqing's rail transit endeavors, integrates 20 years of operational data and caters to the diverse needs of single and double-axle monorails, and offers customized solutions based on the line capacity and construction costs, said Wang Ningning, executive deputy general manager of the 3rd branch of Chongqing Rail Transit.

It pioneers a dual delivery model of "physical train plus digital asset". This effectively equips each train with a "digital twin", allowing for intelligent management throughout its life cycle, Wang explained.

Xinhua