Photo of the Day: World’s Fastest Maglev Train

Our Photo of the Day series this week shares photos of impressive modern megastructures in China.

Maglev (Magnetic Levitation) trains reduce the friction between the rail and the train. The Shanghai Maglev train was the first to be opened for public use in China and has been in operation since 2004. There are six operational maglev lines in the world, and three of them are in China today.

Shanghai’s is the world’s fastest maglev train, operating at a top speed of 431 km/h (268 mph) top speed during the ride, although it could go faster if the track was longer. It runs from Longyang Lu metro station in the east of the city to Pudong International Airport, covering 30.5km in 7 mins and 20 seconds.

Maglev station connecting Longyang Road metro to Pudong International Airport

Related:

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China Set to Test 1,000km/h “Ultra-High-Speed-Maglev” Train