Safe operation guaranteed with train speed boost

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Source: CCTV.com | 04-18-2007 15:20

A train designed to run at a top speed of 200 km per hour left east China's Shanghai for Suzhou early Wednesday morning, ushering in a high-speed era for the world's fastest growing economy.

With the speed boost, all trains will begin operating under a new schedule. China's railway officials say although the trains are running at speeds of 200 kilometers an hour or faster, safety is not an issue that passengers should worry about.

At 12am sharp on Wednesday, the Ministry of Railways launched a new management system and timetable for all trains and routes operating across the country. This marked the official start of the sixth speed boost for China's railways.

Zhang Haijun, deputy director Transportation Bureau, Ministry of Railways, said, "Starting today, almost 1,700 passenger trains and 15,000 cargo trains will run according to the new timetable."

Higher speeds demand much higher safety standards, and hence more work on upgrading trains and tracks. Top research and development experts in China have produced a unique control system called CTCS2. This technology was specifically designed to handle trains operating at speeds between 200 to 250 kilometers an hour.

Zhang Shuguang, director Transportation Bureau, Ministry of Railways, said, "The CTCS2 system can accurately track the exact position of every train on the tracks. The computer system quickly calculates and derives the appropriate speed and sends the message to all trains that are running. Each vehicle's operating system then closely monitors its speed and reports any minor changes. Therefore, it's impossible for two trains to ever collide."

He Huawu, engineer, said, "We've conducted very strict tests on functionality, reliability, safety and the accuracy of the computerized high-tech management system. We had a trial run of 45,000 kilometers with top officials, engineers and technicians from the Ministry of Railways onboard. Our overseas colleagues were amazed by what we had achieved."

The country's railway authority has also been very strict on the selection of personnel to operate the new trains.

Zhang Shuguang said, "Two years ago we sent 60 train operators to Germany, France and Japan for training. When their course ended, only three of them had passed the test and obtained a work certificate. So you can see how high the standard is. Also our facilities are the safest, and there's very strict management of them. So passengers can set their fears at rest over the safety issue."

The Ministry of Railways has also asked a research center to develop a wind warning system to cope with harsh weather conditions.

Editor:Du Xiaodan