China unveils world’s first train that runs on virtual tracks
China has unveiled world’s first train that runs on a virtual track making use of sensor technology instead of metal rails, thereby adding another piece of public transport innovation to its growing list of achievements in the area.
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[/wr_text][/wr_column][wr_column span=”span8″ ][wr_text el_title=”China unveils world’s first train that runs on vir” text_margin_top=”0″ text_margin_bottom=”0″ enable_dropcap=”no” appearing_animation=”0″ disabled_el=”no” ]China unveils world’s first train that runs on virtual tracks
China has unveiled world’s first train that runs on a virtual track making use of sensor technology instead of metal rails, thereby adding another piece of public transport innovation to its growing list of achievements in the area. Following the spectacular failure last year of the “straddling bus,” China has now unveiled a new solution to its public transportation woes that’s half train, half bus!!
It may not look as cool as its crazy car straddling bus, but China has unveiled what is purported to be the world’s first train that operates on a virtual track using sensor technology instead of metal rails. China’s CRRC Corporation began developing the project back in 2013 as a way to ease hellish congestion in China’s crowded urban centers. It is being billed as a cheaper alternative to metros or trams, while also being more environmentally-friendly.
Salient Highlights:
The electric train, called Autonomous Rail Transit (hereinafter ‘ART’), runs purely on electricity on virtual tracks. It is also non-polluting as they are battery powered. The train is capable of reaching a top speed of 70 kmph and can travel a distance of 25 km by just charging for 10 minutes. The train which is only about 32 metres long can carry up to 307 passengers. The new trains are fitted with sensors which are capable of detecting the dimensions of the road permitting it to follow the routes without the need for metal rails. So, it can run without the presence of tracks. The new trains will make use of rubber wheels on a plastic core and can be automatically guided without rails. This new technology has been copyrighted by the Chinese rail corporation. The train will be rolled out for public use in 2018. It will be launched in the Chinese city of Zhuzhou in a bid to help to deal with traffic in the area. The new train is expected to have a lifespan of around 25 years. The cost of the new train is only a fifth of the price of a traditional subway system[1]
[1] http://currentaffairs.gktoday.in/china-unveils-worlds-train-runs-virtual-tracks-06201745805.html
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