The possible use of maglev trains on the planned second high-speed rail between Guangzhou and Shenzhen is one step closer, as performance checks of China’s domestically developed prototype magnetic-levitation train, with a designed top speed of 600 km per hour, began in Shanghai on Sunday.

The testing prototype, which has only one car, can check and optimize the key technologies and core system components of the high-speed maglev system and lay a technological basis for the forthcoming engineering prototype, according to China Railway Rolling Stock Crop. Qingdao Sifang Co., the train maker headquartered in Shandong Province.

The company said the development of a five-car engineering prototype of the high-speed maglev is going smoothly. It is scheduled to roll off the production line this year.

Maglev trains generate less noise due to the absence of wheel-rail friction.

Additionally, their minimum turning radius is half that of a subway, allowing it to better bypass buildings in route planning.

A maglev train is an option for the planned second Guangzhou-Shenzhen high-speed rail, a new maglev intercity railway, according to a bidding notice released in November last year by Shenzhen Development and Reform Commission.

Parallel to the existing Guangzhou-Shenzhen line, the 150-kilometer new railway is planned to include a connection between Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport and Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport in under 20 minutes.

At present, Shenzhen and Guangzhou are connected by Guangzhou-Shenzhen intercity rail and Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link.

The plan was under preliminary study and the bidding was to initiate research on maglev related issues, such as the present situation of maglev technologies, passenger flow, route design, investment estimates and operation costs.