Maglev starts double-line testing
2/6/2003 15:09
The world's first commercial maglev rail line has started fine-tuning
and testing for its newly built two-track system, the Shanghai Maglev
Transportation Development Co said yesterday.
The Shanghai magnetic
levitation line had been operating for more than three months (January through
mid-March) with a single track offering round trips for tourists.
Closed
on March 17 for system adjustments, the train had been scheduled to reopen for
tourism use on May 1, but was hampered by the unexpected outbreak of
SARS.
During the May Day holidays, the system started a new round of
testing for its newly built second track, which lies side-by-side with the first
one that was completed last year.
The testing is a complicated procedure
with five to six phases and numerous application tunings for different
situations. Each phase includes system upgrading and emergency handling tests.
Security checks will also be carried out on the whole system.
Once the
testing is finished, the double-track system will be able to handle more
passengers, both for commercial operation and tourism.
Additional
carriages will also be added to the trains, the Shanghai Maglev Transportation
Development Co said.
Twelve of the total 15 carriages have already
arrived in the city, while three are expected to arrive by
October.
Vicky Xu / Shanghai Daily news
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