German Maglev Expert: World's Fastest Train Puts China in the Spotlight

Home>>Business

Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Wednesday, January 01, 2003

German Maglev Expert: World's Fastest Train Puts China in the Spotlight

Gerhard Wahl, the chief German coordinator for the Shanghai Transrapid Maglev Line project, was effusive when describing the train, using words such as "unbelievable" and "surprising" time and again.

DISCUSSION

CHINESE

SEND TO FRIEND

Gerhard Wahl, the chief German coordinator for the Shanghai Transrapid Maglev Line project, was effusive when describing the train, using words such as "unbelievable" and "surprising" time and again.

"It had always been assumed that maglev technology should firstbe put into commercial use in its birthplace, Germany. No one expected that China would become the first in the world to do that," Wahl said.

"What's even more surprising is that it took less than two years for China to build such a new and challenging project," he said, adding that the design process of similar projects in Europewould take much longer.

Wahl, an expert from Siemens AG. of Germany who began discussing the export of maglev technology to China ten years ago,has served as chief German coordinator for negotiations and for the construction of the maglev line in Shanghai, which made its inaugural run on Tuesday.

"We are pleased that all questions were resolved and that what seemed impossible has now become a reality," he said, noting that "this is a success not only for China, but also for Germany."

"The project has put China and Shanghai in the world spotlight," he said.

Wahl said that, as a developing country, China decided to become the first to apply the high speed maglev technology, and "this is a wise, resolute and courageous decision".

He said the decision demonstrates that China, as a big country with prosperous economic growth, is determined to employ the most advanced transportation technology to continue its economic advancement.

It also shows that China has conducted in-depth study of maglev technology, and the Chinese leadership has shown that it istruly forward-thinking to make such a strategic decision, he said.

He said he believes China will be a world leader in the construction and operation of high-speed maglev railways, noting that China has mastered the patent technology for the manufacture of the maglev track girder and other civil engineering aspects, which account for over half of the total cost.

"If other countries, including Germany, want to build high speed maglev railways, they may have to invite managers and engineers from China to undertake the projects," Wahl said with a smile.

He said the trial operation of the line in Shanghai will not only strengthen the confidence of its supporters in Germany, but also facilitate the feasibility studies on similar projects in nations like the United States and the Netherlands.

"The German side is very eager to conduct higher-level comprehensive cooperation with the Chinese side, especially with regard to the localization of maglev technology in China," Wahl added.

Questions?Comments? Click here

Controversial US Scientist Claims Birth of First Cloned Human ( 2 Messages)

US Image Is Worsening Worldwide: Review ( 2 Messages)

Pyongyang Orders IAEA Inspectors to Leave ( 2 Messages)

China Set Trade Growth Goal at 7 Percent in 2003 ( 8 Messages)

China Launches 'Shenzhou IV' Unmanned Spacecraft ( 9 Messages)