Chinese High-Speed Trains Break World Speed Record with A New Achievement

Published on October 24, 2025

In a groundbreaking development for high-speed rail technology, the China Academy of Railway Sciences (CARS) has announced that two prototype CR450 high-speed trains achieved a world record passing speed of 896km/h during recent trials. This historic feat took place on the Wuhan – Yichang section of the Chengdu – Shanghai high-speed line, setting a new benchmark for rail travel and showcasing China’s continued dominance in high-speed rail development.

A New World Record in High-Speed Rail

The 896km/h passing speed surpasses the previous world record of 891km/h, which was set by the same CR450 train model in 2023. This achievement marks a significant leap in the ongoing development of high-speed rail in China, underlining the country’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of rail technology. While the CR450 trains reached a maximum individual speed of 453km/h during the trials, the passing speed of 896km/h during tests is a major milestone for global rail travel.

The CR450 trains are designed to operate at speeds that far exceed current global standards for high-speed rail, and their ability to hit nearly 900km/h during trials demonstrates the rapid advancements in rail technology, particularly in China’s high-speed sector. The achievement emphasizes the growing potential of rail as a fast, efficient, and sustainable mode of transport for the future.

The Testing and Development Process

Since April 2025, the CR450 trains have been undergoing extensive testing across various high-speed rail lines, including the Chongqing – Qianjiang section of the Chongqing – Xiamen line and the Shenyang – Jiaozuo – Baotou line. These tests are designed to push the capabilities of the trains and ensure their reliability and safety at such high speeds.

The 896km/h passing speed was recorded during a special section of the trial on the Wuhan – Yichang section, which is part of the Chengdu – Shanghai high-speed line. This new section of the line is still under construction, and the test results provide valuable insights into how the trains will perform once the line is operational.

To prepare for commercial service, the CR450 trains must complete a comprehensive testing phase of 600,000 kilometers. This extensive testing process will allow engineers to fine-tune the trains, ensuring that they are fully optimized for safety, reliability, and performance before entering revenue service.

The Impact on China’s High-Speed Rail Network

China is already home to the world’s largest high-speed rail network, and the introduction of the CR450 trains will further enhance its capabilities. With the Chengdu – Shanghai line set to become one of the country’s most important high-speed routes, the CR450 trains will be a critical component of China’s rail expansion plans.

The new trains will operate alongside other advanced models already in service, contributing to the efficiency and speed of China’s rail network. The Chengdu – Shanghai high-speed line, once fully operational, will significantly reduce travel time between the two cities, making it a key connector for business and leisure travelers.

China’s push for faster, more efficient rail travel is part of a broader strategy to improve domestic and international connectivity, offering a sustainable alternative to air travel and reducing congestion on roads.

Sustainability and Environmental Benefits of High-Speed Rail

The development of the CR450 trains aligns with China’s broader goals for sustainability. High-speed trains like the CR450 are known for their energy efficiency and lower carbon emissions compared to other forms of transportation, such as cars and airplanes. As global awareness of climate change increases, rail travel is being seen as an environmentally friendly alternative that can help reduce the carbon footprint of transportation systems.

The success of the CR450 prototype is part of China’s commitment to creating a greener, more sustainable transport infrastructure that meets the growing demands of both domestic and international travel.

What’s Next for High-Speed Rail in China?

The record-breaking performance of the CR450 trains is just the beginning. China’s ambitions for high-speed rail are clear, with plans to continue developing even faster, more efficient trains in the coming years. As the country prepares to launch more advanced high-speed rail services, the CR450 trains will serve as a model for the next generation of trains, pushing the limits of what is possible in high-speed rail travel.

The next phase of development for the CR450 trains will focus on ensuring they meet all safety, operational, and environmental standards, and they are expected to enter full commercial service after the completion of the 600,000-kilometer testing phase.