French Train TGV Sets World Record For Fastest Train

Last week France set a new world record for the fastest train on rails. The train a TGV V150 achieved a speed of 574.8 kph or 357.2 mph. The previous record was also by a TGV at 515km/h (320mph), set in 1990.

Photo courtesy: BBC, UK

The new record was set in eastern France. This is faster than man has ever traveled in a train on rails. The train had reached similar speeds but this is the first time it was officially monitored. This is something like air travel on ground. At one point the train traveled 150 meters a second. The train was equipped with larger wheels than the regular French TGV trains. The TGV technology was invented in France three decades ago.

However the world record for the fastest train speed is 581 kmh reached in 2003 by a Japanese magnetic levitation, or Maglev, train.

France has had fast electric powered trains operating since 1981, reaching speeds of 320 kmh. The latest line to open in July reduces travel time from Paris to the eastern city of Strasbourg from four hours to two hours and 20 minutes.

South Korea, China and Taiwan are the most important customers for high-speed trains.

You can watch the 2 minute video of the TGV train setting the world record here.



Appreciate the mind boggling speed at which it is cruising.