CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicles Co Ltd, a company based in Changchun, capital of Jilin province, launched a new subway train on Jan 22.

The train will be the first rail vehicle to serve phase 1 of Chengdu Metro Line 9, in Southwest China’s Sichuan province.

With eight carriages –– two more than usual, the train is able to operate at speeds of up to 100 kilometers per hour and has capacity to carry a maximum of 3,456 passengers. The new train is expected to make a significant contribution to relieving urban traffic congestion.

The new train also carries the GOA4 rating –– the highest possible rating for level of vehicle automation, which is awarded by the International Association of Public Transport. Indeed, the vehicle is capable of completely unattended operation.

CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicles is a leading national company in the development of automatic rail technology, and launched the world's first full carbon fiber self-driving train in September 2017, marking itself out as an industry leader for driverless vehicles.

The company has manufactured more than 1,700 trains for Chengdu, and has exported products to over 20 countries and regions.

A launch ceremony for the first train delivered to Chengdu Metro Line 9 is held at CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicles offices in Changchun, Jilin province, Jan 22. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

The exterior of the subway train destined for Chengdu Metro Line 9 is photographed. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]

The interior of the subway train launched on Jan 22 [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]