Maglev set for debut next month

A new maglev train that may one day provide an alternative to existing public transport systems is set to roll off the production line in April, the Beijing Daily reported yesterday.

Liu Zhiming, chairman of Beijing Enterprises Holdings Maglev Technology Development Co Ltd, which developed the train in cooperation with the National University of Defense Technology, said the magnetic levitation locomotive is a low- to medium-speed train, with a top speed of 120 kph.

The technology it uses was wholly developed in China, Chang Wensen, chief designer with the university's maglev technology research center, said.