China starts first home-grown Maglev train

BEIJING: The first Chinese Maglev rail line began operating in Changsha city today as China looks to sell the system abroad along with its bullet-train technology.

The magnetically-levitated (Maglev) train shuttles between Changsha's south railway station and the airport, with one stop in between.

It takes 19 minutes and 30 seconds to complete the 18.5 -km journey, according to a statement from operator Hunan Maglev Transport Co. The train can carry 363 people at a maximum speed of 100 kms an hour.

The price of a one-way ticket is 20 yuan (USD 3).

Construction of the maglev trains, designed and manufactured by CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive Co in Hunan Province, began in May 2014 with total investment of 4.29 billion yuan.

The domestically produced moderate-speed Maglev rail costs between 150 million yuan and 250 million yuan per kilometer.

It is highly economical in terms of construction and maintenance costs, according to the statement.