
High-speed passenger train CR450
At the end of the past year, Chinese railway workers presented everyone with a pleasant surprise. The last Sunday of 2024 was the time to present a new product – a high-speed train, capable of accelerating to a maximum speed of 400 to 450 km/h.
It became a clear confirmation of the achievements of this country and the readiness to "push" competitors not only on asphalt surfaces, but also on steel highways. China State Railway Group Co., Ltd (Chinese Railways) confirmed that the train was able to reach a test speed of 450 km/h. At the same time, the operational speed will be fifty points lower.
CR450 AF – one of the future high-speed modifications. Photo: youtube.com
The new model will be noticeably faster than the CR400 Fuxing trains with a maximum speed of 350 km/h. They are currently used extensively by local carriers, but after the improved design is put into commercial operation, travel time should be significantly reduced.
According to China Railways, assembly of the first prototype began last year, using advanced intelligent manufacturing technologies and rigorous quality control measures to ensure the successful launch of the new train.
During the tests, the train reached the set speed mark, while its key performance indicators set a new international standard. This concerned the following data:
✅ operating speed
✅ energy consumption
✅ internal noise level
✅ braking distances
Thus, engineers from the Celestial Empire demonstrated their capabilities and declared themselves as a future leader in the creation of high-speed railway equipment. Moreover, the high speed of travel did not negatively affect the safety of the train. Good indicators were achieved due to the short braking distance and improved stability of movement. And energy efficiency was optimized due to:
✅ reduction of the level of resistance to movement – by 22%
✅ reduction of the overall weight of the structure – by 10%
✅ other technical improvements
In the future, Chinese passengers can therefore look forward to a faster and more comfortable journey. After all, the noise level in the cabin has been reduced by 2 decibels (68 dB at maximum speed) and the overall passenger space has been increased by 4%. In addition, the CR450 combines intelligent improvements in train control and interaction with the driver.
Comparison of two future modifications. Photo: youtube.com
It also includes safety monitoring and better passenger service. This is, in principle, a significant leap in technological innovation and makes the future train very competitive on the global market. After all, no one can compare with it in terms of speed.
CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicles and CRRC Sifang Co., Ltd. contributed to the interior design, each striving to present everything in its best light while maintaining the overall focus on comfort and high quality of travel on the CR450.
Its development is the culmination of years of research and technical innovation. It all began back in 2018, when the goal was to create a high-speed train capable of reaching a performance level of 400 km/h.
Luxurious interior. Photo: youtube.com
In the following years, much painstaking work was carried out. The previously developed CR400, designed for use during the Olympic Games, could easily accelerate to 350 km/h. The new design was first tested on high-speed railway lines: Zhengzhou-Wanzhou, Jinan-Zhengzhou, Mile-Mengzi and Fuzhou-Xiamen.
It took more than 200 days and involved 17 test components. And the total length of the test drives was more than 200 thousand kilometers! The prototype went through at least 3000 simulations and 2000 platform tests. All these painstaking actions confirmed its compliance with the strict requirements of operation at speeds of up to 400 km/h.
In addition to purely technical issues, the manufacturers also took care of the comfortable interior of the train carriages. The interior space has been significantly redesigned with the introduction of the latest achievements. This list includes both adjustable luggage racks and a universal storage area suitable for passengers with:
✅ bicycles
✅ wheelchairs
✅ other large items
These innovations anticipate potential changes to passenger transport regulations, and further testing and refinement will ensure that the train is fully fit for commercial use.
The goal of the creators is to make this advanced technology available to the masses in the nearest future. Here is what Li Yongheng, an official from China State Railway Group, said:
He added that since 2012, China's railway sector has been able to independently develop and introduce a number of scientific and technological innovations. The most striking example was the CR400 Fuxing electric train. But the upcoming CR450 will be another step forward. And the high-speed rail system (HSR) includes:
✅ engineering construction
✅ equipment manufacturing
✅ operations management
Zhao Hongwei, a senior researcher at the Chinese Academy of Railway Sciences, also agreed with the technological breakthrough of the CR450 design, highlighting the reduction in noise at high speeds (due to the use of high-performance insulation materials) and intelligent merging control technologies.
Comfortable seats in the CR450. Photo: youtube.com
The BJTU team focused on optimizing load-bearing components, especially the bogie and car body, through simulation and bench testing. To reduce weight while maintaining strength, ensuring safety and durability at high speeds, advanced materials such as carbon fiber had to be used.
The tricky part was to achieve the optimal balance between weight reduction and noise control. The team developed integrated composite materials that provide both thermal and acoustic insulation. These innovations reduce costs and complexity while improving passenger comfort through temperature and noise control.
The CR450 EMU has become an example of China's innovation-based development strategy. It demonstrates scientific and technological strength and reflects the advantages of the country's social system. It promotes self-reliance in specialized science and technology, contributing to the modernization of the railway industrial system.
CR450 driver's cabin. Photo: youtube.com
Over the past 15 years, China has built the world's largest and most advanced railway network, spanning more than 160 kilometers. This includes more than 000 kilometers of high-speed lines.
It became a clear confirmation of the achievements of this country and the readiness to "push" competitors not only on asphalt surfaces, but also on steel highways. China State Railway Group Co., Ltd (Chinese Railways) confirmed that the train was able to reach a test speed of 450 km/h. At the same time, the operational speed will be fifty points lower.

The new model will be noticeably faster than the CR400 Fuxing trains with a maximum speed of 350 km/h. They are currently used extensively by local carriers, but after the improved design is put into commercial operation, travel time should be significantly reduced.
Even faster construction
According to China Railways, assembly of the first prototype began last year, using advanced intelligent manufacturing technologies and rigorous quality control measures to ensure the successful launch of the new train.
The prototype of the high-speed CR450 EMU (Electric Multiple Unit) is an advanced model developed by local experts and debuted in Beijing on December 29, 2024.
During the tests, the train reached the set speed mark, while its key performance indicators set a new international standard. This concerned the following data:
✅ operating speed
✅ energy consumption
✅ internal noise level
✅ braking distances
Thus, engineers from the Celestial Empire demonstrated their capabilities and declared themselves as a future leader in the creation of high-speed railway equipment. Moreover, the high speed of travel did not negatively affect the safety of the train. Good indicators were achieved due to the short braking distance and improved stability of movement. And energy efficiency was optimized due to:
✅ reduction of the level of resistance to movement – by 22%
✅ reduction of the overall weight of the structure – by 10%
✅ other technical improvements
In the future, Chinese passengers can therefore look forward to a faster and more comfortable journey. After all, the noise level in the cabin has been reduced by 2 decibels (68 dB at maximum speed) and the overall passenger space has been increased by 4%. In addition, the CR450 combines intelligent improvements in train control and interaction with the driver.

It also includes safety monitoring and better passenger service. This is, in principle, a significant leap in technological innovation and makes the future train very competitive on the global market. After all, no one can compare with it in terms of speed.
How the CR450 was created
CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicles and CRRC Sifang Co., Ltd. contributed to the interior design, each striving to present everything in its best light while maintaining the overall focus on comfort and high quality of travel on the CR450.
Its development is the culmination of years of research and technical innovation. It all began back in 2018, when the goal was to create a high-speed train capable of reaching a performance level of 400 km/h.

In the following years, much painstaking work was carried out. The previously developed CR400, designed for use during the Olympic Games, could easily accelerate to 350 km/h. The new design was first tested on high-speed railway lines: Zhengzhou-Wanzhou, Jinan-Zhengzhou, Mile-Mengzi and Fuzhou-Xiamen.
It took more than 200 days and involved 17 test components. And the total length of the test drives was more than 200 thousand kilometers! The prototype went through at least 3000 simulations and 2000 platform tests. All these painstaking actions confirmed its compliance with the strict requirements of operation at speeds of up to 400 km/h.
In addition to purely technical issues, the manufacturers also took care of the comfortable interior of the train carriages. The interior space has been significantly redesigned with the introduction of the latest achievements. This list includes both adjustable luggage racks and a universal storage area suitable for passengers with:
✅ bicycles
✅ wheelchairs
✅ other large items
These innovations anticipate potential changes to passenger transport regulations, and further testing and refinement will ensure that the train is fully fit for commercial use.
China is moving forward
The goal of the creators is to make this advanced technology available to the masses in the nearest future. Here is what Li Yongheng, an official from China State Railway Group, said:
China's high-speed rail system has made a historic leap in recent years, going from a follower to a world leader, and its technology has set a new international standard.
He added that since 2012, China's railway sector has been able to independently develop and introduce a number of scientific and technological innovations. The most striking example was the CR400 Fuxing electric train. But the upcoming CR450 will be another step forward. And the high-speed rail system (HSR) includes:
✅ engineering construction
✅ equipment manufacturing
✅ operations management
Zhao Hongwei, a senior researcher at the Chinese Academy of Railway Sciences, also agreed with the technological breakthrough of the CR450 design, highlighting the reduction in noise at high speeds (due to the use of high-performance insulation materials) and intelligent merging control technologies.

The BJTU team focused on optimizing load-bearing components, especially the bogie and car body, through simulation and bench testing. To reduce weight while maintaining strength, ensuring safety and durability at high speeds, advanced materials such as carbon fiber had to be used.
The tricky part was to achieve the optimal balance between weight reduction and noise control. The team developed integrated composite materials that provide both thermal and acoustic insulation. These innovations reduce costs and complexity while improving passenger comfort through temperature and noise control.
The CR450 EMU has become an example of China's innovation-based development strategy. It demonstrates scientific and technological strength and reflects the advantages of the country's social system. It promotes self-reliance in specialized science and technology, contributing to the modernization of the railway industrial system.

Over the past 15 years, China has built the world's largest and most advanced railway network, spanning more than 160 kilometers. This includes more than 000 kilometers of high-speed lines.
- Ivan Goncharov
- youtube.com
We recommend for you

Restrictions lifted – PD-14 received a new certificate
The engine is one step closer to serial production. The power plant has been given an important approval....

"We won't give up so easily" - Shacman responded to the ban on the sale of dump trucks in Russia
The situation with the recall of sales and OTTS continues to gain momentum. The representative office of Chinese brands has prepared a plan and specific countermeasures. All...

"We've Changed Our Minds" - Hyundai Wants to Return to Russia and Buy Back Its Plant
This desire was caused by an event not directly related to the automobile industry. Read all the details and possible further developments in our material....

In Russia, the production of aluminum bodies has been completely localized
The precedent was the first in the history of the enterprise. The first workshop is already producing products, the second stage of the modern robotic plant has been launched....

The Russian SJ-100 airliner is almost ready – all that remains is to combine the two planes
Two airliners are currently undergoing testing. If they were assembled into one, they would result in a 100% import-substituting SJ-100....

Ladoga gets “wings” – Smolensk plant joins the work
Cooperation in TVRS-44 production continues to expand. Involvement of more domestic plants will speed up serial production of the aircraft....

Traffic police will be able to check drivers' smartphones and issue fines from quadcopters
In 2025, the rules of the game on the roads are changing, and not in favor of drivers. The State Traffic Safety Inspectorate is actively expanding its control tools: now you can be monitored not only by...

UTS-800 to be shown abroad for the first time
UTS-800 is a training model. But it can be modified at the customer's request for other purposes....

Why the 38th upper side is the best seat in a compartment carriage
It's a nightmare and a quiet horror to travel on the last, upper side seat, isn't it? Times are changing, gentlemen. Find out about the advantages of the 38th seat in a reserved seat carriage from our...

Seaplanes are back in favor – new Polaris unveiled
And already, long before serial production, the first potential buyer places a large order. Read more about the new old project in our material....

The ZIF-77 moped is not a bicycle with a motor
The simplest means of transport in the USSR, even in the early days, were bicycles. But pedaling constantly is difficult, and the speed of movement...

“We pushed as a team” – how the “Sobol NN 4x4” passed the off-road test
Last fall, sales of the new all-wheel drive Sobol started. The car has changed significantly - there are noticeable differences in the design and equipment....

Russia has a new training aircraft – its domestic engine is almost ready
Recently, the S7 Group company presented its "brainchild" - the TANGO training aircraft. I want to add "over the abyss", but the technology is interesting. Pro...

Production of new Russian sedans has started – Amberauto A5
There are no prices yet, but this electric car was created to order and with the help of Renault. They promise a three-year warranty and a decent power reserve....

Ground testing of PD-8 engines has begun in Komsomolsk-on-Amur
Certification of the smaller version of the PD-14 is close. Flight tests should be conducted this year....

8 unusual versions of the Volga that could have changed the Soviet auto industry
GAZ-24 "Volga" is one of the most iconic cars in the history of the USSR, a symbol of prestige and reliability. However, few people know that over the long years of existence of this...