Top 10 Fastest Trains In The World (2016)

Train is a form of rail transport consisting of a series of vehicles that usually runs along a rail track to transport cargo or passengers. Motive power is provided by a separate locomotive or individual motors in self-propelled multiple units. Although historically steam propulsion dominated, the most common modern forms are diesel and electric locomotives, the latter supplied by overhead wires or additional rails. Other energy sources include horses, engine or water-driven rope or wire winch, gravity, pneumatics, batteries, and gas turbines. Once upon a time train could speed up to 5mph as the time goes now train achieved maximum of speed 375 mph. Generally, high speed rail runs at speeds above 200 km/h (120 mph) and often operates on dedicated track that is surveyed and prepared to accommodate high speeds. Japan's Shinkansen ("bullet-train") commenced operation in 1964, and was the first successful example of a high speed passenger rail system.  The fastest wheeled train running on rails is France's TGV which achieved a speed of 574.8 km/h (357.2 mph). Here in this article Top 10 Fastest Trains In The World as of/till 2016 written, Read on:

Top 10 Fastest Trains In The World (2016)

1. Shanghai Maglev (431 kph) 

The Shanghai Maglev Train or Shanghai Transrapid is a magnetic levitation train, or maglev line that operates in Shanghai, China. The line is the first commercially operated high-speed magnetic levitation line in the world. Shanghai Maglev is the fastest train in the world with a maximum operating speed of 431 kph. Unlike regular train tracks Shanghai Maglev has no wheel and it float on magnetic field exist between the train and track. This electromagnetic pull offers by the strong magnates let the train to fly over the track as there is no contact between train and track. Shanghai maglev will reach its top speed of 431 kph from 0 kph in just 4 minutes. The Shanghai’s 30.5 km long maglev line is the only commercially operated maglev in the world. The Shanghai Maglev was built by Siemens and ThyssenKrupp companies. The public service of the Shanghai maglev started on 1st January 2004. The total passenger capacity of the Shanghai maglev train is 574. The train operates between every 15 minutes. It cost US$8 for one ticket and US$16 for VIP ticket to travel in Shanghai maglev.

2. Harmony CRH 380A (380 kph) 

Harmony CRH 380A is China railways electric multiple unit train can travels at maximum speed of 380 kph in commercial service the second fastest operating train service in the world. But it sets a record speed of 416.6 kph during initial tests. The China railways put CRH 380a trains into regular service between Shangai-Nanjing route in October 2010. The CRH 380A high speed trains are manufactured by the CSR Qingdao Sifang Locomotive and Rolling Stock company. The CRH 380A has low weight Aluminium alloy body and a fish head like front car. This unusual design of the train can reduce aerodynamic pressure. The bogies of CRH 380A are completely vibration free. The CRH 380A trains have a capacity to carry 494 passengers at a time. Each passenger will get facilities like reading lamp, power port and an electronic display. There is also a VIP sightseeing section near the driver’s cabin. It display view of running train. One whole car unit of  CRH 380A dedicated for serving food and drinks for passengers.

3. AGV Italo (360 kph)

AVG Italo is the fastest operating train in Europe. This high speed train has a maximum operational speed of 360 kph. But during initial test AVG train set a record speed of 574 kph in 2007.  This multiple unit train are built by French manufacturing company Alstom. In 2008 the Italian company Nuovo Trasporto Viaggiatori (NTV) ordered 25 AVG trains from Alstom for €650 million. The AVG Italo started the service in April 2007. It operates between Rome and Naples. The passengers of AVG Italo trains can travel between these cities in just an hour.  AVG Italo has great Eco friendly structure, 98% of its parts are recyclable. AVG Italo has 11 car sets and seats are divided into three classes: Club, Prima and Smart. All three classes of AVG Italo offers adjustable leather seats, live television and free Wi-Fi.

4. Siemens Velaro E/AVS 103 (350 kph) 

Siemens Velaro E is the Spanish version of Velaro E high speed trains developed by German engineering company Siemens. In Spain Velaro trains are named as AVS 103. The Velaro E operates between Barcelona and Madrid. The train run at a maximum speed of 350 kph. Velaro E trains can take passengers from Barcelona to Madrid in just 2 hours and 30 minutes. During trails Velaro E achieved a top speed of 403.7 kph. The Spanish National Railways ordered the high speed Velaro E trains in 2001. They began this high speed train service in June 2007. Velaro E has 8 passenger cars and a seating capacity of 404.

5. Talgo 350 (350 kph)

Spain’s Talgo 350 high speed train operated by the state run railway company can achieve a maximum speed of 350 kph. The Talgo 350 runs between Madrid and Barcelona. The train has two driving cars and 12 passenger cars. It is also known as ‘Pato’ in Spain, named after its duck beak like nose of the front car. This distinctive design of Talgo 350 is optimized to handle pressure waves. The seating facilities in Talgo 350 trains are divided into four classes: Club class, First class, Bistro class and Coach class. All class in Talgo 350 features comfortable reclining seats with foot rests. The passengers also have access to video, audio devices at each seat. There are also real time information panels on both inside and outside of car sets.

6. E5 Series Shinkansen Hayabusa (320 kph)

The E5 series Shinkansen Hayabusa is the fastest high speed train service in Japan today. This service started on 5th march 2011 and operated by the East Japan railway company. The service takes passengers from Tokyo to city of Aomory. At top speed of 320 kph the E5 series Shinkansen will reach Shin-Aomory station from Tokyo in just 2 hours and 56 minutes. Each E5 series Shinkansen three main classes standard, green and gran class. The standard class offers 658 seats, green class offers 55 seats and gran class offers 18 seats. The gran class is the main attraction of Hayabusa train. This premium class offers high end luxury facilities for you. The E5 series Shinkansen has 10 car sets and a seating capacity of 731. 

7. Alstom Euroduplex (320 kph)

Alstom Euroduplex trains are third series of TGV duplex high speed trains. Th Euroduplex train service is operated by the French railway company SNCF. This service connects French, Swiss, German and Luxembourg rail network. This multi-system double deck rains can travel at maximum speed of 320 kph.  The Euroduplex trains started the service in December 2011. The train can transport 1020 passengers at a time. The Euroduplex trains are designed by the Alstom railway company. Unlike the previous two generations the Euroduplex trains are less in weight and has improved aerodynamics.  It ensures the low power consumption. Euroduplex trains also have real time travel information screen near the door and inside the car set.

8. SNCF TGV Duplex (320 kph)

SNCF TGV duplex is the fastest train service in France, can travel at a speed of 320 kph. This high speed train service is operated by the SNCF railway company. TGV duplex started the service in December 2011. It is a double-deck high speed train that connects all major cities in France. It is one of most comfortable European trains that has a seating capacity of 508.  TGV duplex trains are built by Alstom manufacturing company. They used aluminium for the construction of TGV duplex to reduce weight. TGV duplex has an eco-friendly design and a recyclability rate of 90%. The stiff passenger compartments in the train also ensure the safety in case of collision.  The TGV duplex train offers three main classes for passengers: standard class, first class and TGV Pro, offers free Wi-Fi, newspapers and magazines.

9. THSR 700T (300 kph)

THSR 700T is a series of Taiwanese high speed multiple unit train. This service started on 5th January 2007 between Taipei City and Kaohsiung. At top speed of 300 kph THSR 700T shorten the journey time between these cities from four and half hours to just 90 minutes. A 700T train has 12 car sets in total. It features a multi-engine system and 9 out of 12 car provides power for the train. It promises the speed and space. The powerful motors in 700T provide an acceleration from 0-300 kph in just 15 minutes. The adoption of European safety requirements also promises enhanced safety features in 700t like bi-directional operation, Each 700T train has a single business class and 11 standard class cars. The business class cabin in 700T can seat 66 passengers and standard class offers 923 seats.

10. ETR 500 Frecciarossa Train (300 kph)

ETR 500 Frecciarossa is the fastest train service in Italy, operated by Trenitalia company. The Frecciarossa trains have a maximum speed of 300 kph. This service operates between Milan-Rome-Naples route and offers 72 connections daily. Today here are 28 non-stop Frecciarossa trains between  Milan and Rome. At top speed of 300 kph a Frecciarossa will reach Rome from Milan in just 2 hours and 40 minutes. A Frecciarossa train has four main cabins: standard class, premium class, business class and executive class. The cars of Frecciarossa trains are sound proof and offers free Wi-Fi. 

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