Maglev

Transrapid, in Germany, constructed the first operational high-speed conventional maglev railway in the world, the Shanghai Maglev Train from downtown Shanghai (Shanghai Metro) to the Pudong International Airport. It was inaugurated in 2002. The highest speed achieved on the Shanghai track has been 501 km/h (311 mph), over a track length of 30 km. Construction of an extension to Hangzhou is planned to begin in 2010. According to China Daily as reported on People's Daily Online February 27, 2009, the Shanghai municipal government is considering building the line underground to allay the public's fears of electromagnetic pollution. This same reports states that the final decision has to be approved by the National Development and Reform Commission.