The prototype train, based on Chinese technology, is now undergoing final testing at the Magnetic Suspension Research Institute affiliated to Southwest Jiaotong University in Chengdu, Southwest China's Sichuan Province.

After necessary adjustments have been made and the trial period is completed, the state-of-the-art train will go into operation in the mountainous Qingcheng area in Chengdu.

"The key technology, working theory and function of the domestically built train and the one imported from Germany and now in use in Shanghai are different," said sources with the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Hu Jishi, a professor leading the research of the domestic MST, explained that Shanghai's famed Maglev-magnetic levitating train -- is a high speed one, suitable for inter-city journeys, while the Chengdu MST technology is characterized by lower speeds and is designed for cross-city transport.

Professors from the university made an invaluable contribution to the development of the high-tech mode of transport, devoting years of effort to research and experimentation to bring it to fruition.

Some of the those involved contacted by China Daily were reluctant to disclose any further details prior to the formal opening of the MST line in Qingcheng. But no timetable has been disclosed.

China is the third country in the world to develop and employ the technology, following Germany and Japan, which introduced their MST systems in 1969 and 1972 respectively.

China is believed to be the first country in the world to put the technology into commercial use.

(China Daily January 22, 2003)