China Unveils CR450: The 450 Kmph Bullet Train That's The World's Fastest

Travelling in China is set to get faster, greener, and more efficient with the upcoming launch of the CR450 bullet train, a cutting-edge symbol of the country's relentless innovation in high-speed rail technology. Pre-service trials for the CR450 are currently underway, ahead of its commercial debut, expected next year. The train has already reportedly achieved a top speed of 450 kmph on the Shanghai-Chongqing-Chengdu high-speed railway line as of October 21, making it the fastest bullet train in the world. It is set to launch commercially in 2026.

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In November 2024, the CR450's prototype was unveiled, designed to hit speeds of up to 400 kmph. Since then, the bullet train has performed well across multiple performance metrics. Now, as the train is edging closer to completing 6 lakh kilometres of operational testing, developers are highlighting its various features.

#China's #CR450 — the world's fastest train! 🚄💨
Top speed: 450 km/h | Operating speed: 400 km/h 🇨🇳⚡#HighSpeedRail #ChinaTech #ChinaInnovation #ModernChina #ChinaVibes pic.twitter.com/YzzVUXDMPO

— Chinese Embassy in US (@ChineseEmbinUS) October 22, 2025

Key Engineering And Design Features Of China's CR450 Bullet Train

• Advanced Aerodynamic Efficiency: The design incorporates fully enclosed bogies and lower skirt panels to reduce air drag by a significant 22 per cent.
• Extended, Sleek Nose Cone: Its nose cone measures 15 metres long, increasing aerodynamic penetration by being 2.5 metres longer than previous models.
• Lightweight and Compact Structure: The train is 20 centimetres shorter and over 55 tonnes lighter than its predecessors, boosting both acceleration and energy savings.
• Enhanced Performance: These weight and drag variations are crucial, allowing the train to accelerate faster and operate with superior efficiency.
• Improved Travel Experience: The high efficiency and stability of the design translate directly into an overall smoother and more comfortable travel experience for passengers.

More About China's CR450 Bullet Train

The CR450 has been developed over the course of five years, during which researchers and engineers meticulously tracked improvements in increments as tiny as 0.1 per cent. According to CCTV, the bullet train can accelerate from 0 to 350 kmph in just 4 minutes and 40 seconds, making it over a minute faster than the current CR400 Fuxing trains.

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Altogether, the CR450 marks a grand leap from "Made in China" to "Created in China" in terms of the country's growing prowess in transportation innovation.

Upon its commercial launch in 2026, the CR450 will officially establish China as the undisputed global leader in high-speed rail.