Launch of train running on virtual track

China Railway Corporation launched an electric train that can operate on the streets thanks to virtual track sensors.

Trackless train tested in China (Video: Sohu)

China Railway Corporation yesterday introduced a new trackless and pollution-free train model called Autonomous Rail Transit (ART) in Zhuzhou City, Hunan Province, according to People's Daily Online.

The ART began design in 2013 and is expected to be operational in 2018. The system uses rubber-core wheels and trackless self-steering technology developed by China Railway Group. The ART will be tested in Zhuzhou to help reduce traffic in the area.

This train model runs on electricity on virtual rails, and costs only one-fifth of the approximately $59-102 million of a conventional train system.

According to Feng Jianghua, chief engineer in charge of the ART project, the train can recognize the pavement and is equipped with various sensors that act as guides to help the train follow the virtual track.

The experimental ART train is more than 30 meters long and can carry up to 307 people.After 10 minutes of charging, the train can travel 25 km with tMaximum speed 70 km/h. Train hasoperating time about 25 years.

According to VNE