Prototypes of world's fastest high-speed train highlight China's advancements in rail technology

Prototypes of the CR450 bullet train, with a test speed of up to 450 kilometers per hour and an operational speed of 400 kilometers per hour, were debuted in Beijing on Sunday, highlighting China's cutting-edge advancements in operational speed, energy efficiency, interior noise reduction and braking performance.

The CR450 is significantly faster than the CR400 Fuxing high-speed trains currently in service, which operate at speeds of 350 kilometers per hour.

Compared to its predecessors, the overall operational resistance of the CR450 will be decreased by 22 percent and its weight will be cut by 10 percent, according to China Railway.

The new prototypes are two CR450 models: the CR450AF and the CR450BF, both featuring an eight-car formation with four powered and four non-powered carriages, according to CRRC Corporation Limited (CRRC), China's leading train maker.

"The length of the locomotive has been extended from the original 12.5 meters to 15 meters, and the slenderness ratio of the entire train has also been adjusted with the main purpose to reduce its aerodynamic resistance," said Li Hongwei, deputy general manager of CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicles Co., Ltd.

The CR450 also introduces a new bogie enclosure design to minimize air resistance at high speeds, along with a streamlined low-drag, sharp-nosed front, aerodynamic windshields and lightweight materials.

"You can see the wheels here. Originally, the entire bogie of the CR350 was exposed, but now that of CR450 is fully covered by the shell structure. It aligns with the design philosophy of our advanced fighter jets, aiming to allow the train to operate more smoothly at high speeds," said Li Xufeng, general manager of the China Academy of Railway Sciences.

The train model prioritizes passenger comfort, offering a smooth and convenient ride. Through the application of integrated design, modular installation, and other methods, passenger space has been redesigned for added comfort and convenience, increasing cabin space by 4 percent.

"We have now employed some intelligent methods to relocate some of these power distribution facilities for undercarriage installation. Furthermore, we have implemented intelligent upgrades, streamlined numerous components, and increased the storage space for large luggage by 138 percent," added Nie Ying, a senior project engineer at CRRC Qingdao Sifang Co.,Ltd.

It also integrates advanced noise reduction techniques across different areas and frequencies, reducing interior noise by two decibels, compared to its predecessors.

These innovations are set to breathe new life into the global advancement of high-speed rail technology, according to the CRRC.

Prototypes of world's fastest high-speed train highlight China's advancements in rail technology

Prototypes of world's fastest high-speed train highlight China's advancements in rail technology

More than three weeks after U.S. strikes on military sites in Venezuela, many Caracas residents said the psychological scars remain deep, even as people push forward with everyday routines.

The strikes on January 3 focused on military targets in Caracas, including Fort Tiuna, a major military installation in southwestern Caracas, which includes command centers, and civilian neighborhoods built by the government for low-income families.

The strikes left parts of the complex in ruins, with civilians living nearby experiencing intense fear and disruption.

Yesenia Acevedo, who runs a small convenience store in the residential area of Fort Tiuna, described how business has declined after the attack. Her shop, which had enjoyed steady customers for three years, was forced to close for a week due to safety concerns.

"After the bombing, this area was designated as a war zone. Everyone was forced to evacuate. After the airstrikes on January 3, the number of customers dropped sharply. Some of them were regulars. I think they're afraid and won't come back. If they personally experienced the bombing that day, it must have been a nightmare," said Acevedo.

Emma Chavez, owner of a bakery in the neighborhood, was out of the city when the strikes occurred. Family and employees called to alert her to the chaos.

"When I returned, I felt the vibe here was very strange, full of uncertainty. Everyone was talking about it [the bombing]. Many people came back because they had nowhere else to go, they had to return. Their hearts are filled with fear, even now. But everyone has to look forward and continue with normal life," said Chavez.

Both Acevedo and Chavez condemned the U.S. strikes as illegal and inhumane, while emphasizing the resilience of Venezuelans in the face of adversity.

"It's not so much about believing we can get through the hard times; it's that we have to keep living normally. We have no other choice. Venezuelans are very resilient, we can endure any adversity. Of course, we're afraid, because we don't know what the future holds. Everyone knows the United States is a warlike country, and war is a business for the U.S. But we Latin Americans love peace. For us, war is something from games or movies. I think it's inhumane, I can't imagine anyone thinking it's justified," said Chavez.

"I think all of America's actions toward Venezuela are illegal. The raid has become a turning point in our lives. It's hard to say our lives can return to normal right away, because the psychological trauma is still there. But Venezuelans are tough and unyielding; we always keep moving forward," said Acevedo.

Caracas residents struggle to rebuild life amid lingering trauma from US strikes