However, there are several trains operational across the globe that run at much higher speeds. In India, Vande Bharat trains can reach speeds of 180 km/h, but the tracks are not compatible with those speeds, which is why the average speed is only 83 km/h.
India is working on its first bullet train project between Mumbai and Ahmedabad. After the project is completed, several other trains could be connected with high-speed services. Indian Railways is also developing its own high-speed trains for dedicated corridors. These trains could be developed along the lines of the Vande Bharat. The speed of such trains will be 250 km/h.
However, there are several trains operational across the globe that run at much higher speeds. In India, Vande Bharat trains can reach speeds of 180 km/h, but the tracks are not compatible with those speeds, which is why the average speed is only 83 km/h. Let’s take a look at the world’s ten fastest trains:-
Shanghai Maglev train, 460 km/h, China
The world’s fastest train is operational in China. It connects Shanghai’s Pudong Airport to Longyang Road Station. The train reaches a speed of 460 km/h and currently covers a distance of 30 kilometers in 7 minutes and 30 seconds. It operates using Germany’s Maglev technology
CR 400 Fuxing, 350 km/h, China
The world’s second-fastest train also operates in China. The country’s CR400 Fuxing runs at a speed of 350 km/h, although during testing, its speed reached 420 km/h. This train is built using a combination of Japanese and European technologies.
ICE3, 330 km/h, Germany
The famous Intercity Express of Germany holds the third position in the world. The train has reduced travel time on the Cologne-Frankfurt route from 2 hours 30 minutes to just 62 minutes. It has been operational since 2002. The secret to the train’s speed lies in its 16 electric motors. The train runs at a speed of 330 km/h.
TGV. 320 Km/h, France
The record for the fastest train in the world was previously held by France. It operated a conventional train that reached a speed of 574 km/h. The TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse) is considered a leader in the world’s high-speed rail technology. The train operates from the country’s capital, Paris, to various cities at a speed of 320 km/h.
JR East5, 320km/h, Japan
Japan had introduced the world with high-speed trains in 1964. Currently, trains are being operated on Shinkansen tracks with the speed of 300 km/h. The bullet trains of Japan Railways are being operation with a speed of 320 km/h.
Al-Boraq, 320 km/h, Morocco
Africa’s first and only high-speed rail service is operational in Morocco. Launched in November 2018, it connects the coastal city of Tangier with Casablanca. On these tracks, TGV Euroduplex trains, manufactured in France, operate at a speed of 320 km/h.
EVE S-103, 310 km/h, Spain
In the last thirty years, Spain has made significant investments in high-speed rail networks. The journey began in 1992 when the country imported TGV technology from France. Since then, Spain has developed several high-speed trains. Europe’s longest dedicated high-speed tracks are located in Spain.
KTX, 305 KM/H, South Korea
South Korea has expanded its high-speed rail network since 2004. The KTX high-speed train operates at a speed of 305 km/h between Seoul and Busan and has been in service since that year. This train is capable of reaching speeds of up to 330 km/h.
Trenitalia ETR 1000, 300 km/h, Italy
Italy’s Trenitalia ETR 1000 trains operate at a speed of 300 km/h. The trains were introduced in 2017. During a test conducted in 2016, one of the trains reached a speed of 394 km/h. Several of these trains are operational between different cities across the country.
Haramain High Speed Railway, 300 km/h, Saudi Arabia
In Saudi Arabia, the Haramain High-Speed Train connects Mecca and Medina at a speed of 300 km/h. Manufactured in Spain, Talgo trains are operated on the tracks. The trains were designed with desert conditions in mind.