Central Chinese cities to build more maglev lines

CHANGSHA - Central China's Hunan province is preparing to build more middle-to-low speed magnetically levitated (maglev) rail lines after the successful launch of the first domestic line in the province in 2016.

The first Chinese middle-to-low speed maglev rail line started operation in May 2016 in the provincial capital, Changsha. It travels between Changsha's south railway station and the airport, with a maximum speed of 100 km per hour.

Changsha plans to build another maglev line in the city's Xiangjiang New Area, the first "state-level new area" in central China, according to the city's development and reform commission earlier this month.

After the train's launch, it will only take 30 minutes to travel to the south railway station, and 45 minutes to Changsha Huanghua Airport.

Another maglev line is expected to be built within the year, in the province's Zhuzhou city. The 27.9-km line will have 24 stops and start operation after a three-year construction period, according to the city government.

Middle-to-low speed trains produce little noise, according to Peng Qibiao, head of the maglev research institute of CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive Company.

"Maglev trains are safer and cheaper compared to current metro and light rail cars. They can also operate in severe weather, with zero emissions," Peng said.

Beijing is also expecting its first medium-low speed maglev rail line, which will start operation this year.