China releases design specifications for high-speed railway   

首部高铁行业标准发布:高速铁路只许运行动车

经国家铁路局技术委员会审查通过，国家铁路局批准发布《高速铁路设计规范》。该规范是中国正式发布的第一部高速铁路设计行业标准，标志着我国高速铁路技术体系形成。该规范将从明年2月1日起实施。 [查看全文]

The National Railway Administration (NRA) on Monday officially unveiled the country's first design specification standards for high-speed rail links.

"These specifications are fundamental and important technical requirements," said the NRA in a statement.

The administration laid down standards for nearly 20 fields involved in the design and construction of lines for bullet trains running at a speed of 250-350 kilometers per hour.

Safety is among the top priorities. Railway construction firms were also asked to reduce pollution and to work in a more "greener" way.

The NRA's specifications come from domestic experience as well as advice from foreign experts.

China has seen rapid development in the construction of high-speed railways and it is now eyeing selling equipment and technology it has developed to foreign markets.

Last week, China and Thailand inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU)on railway cooperation, agreeing to jointly build Thailand's first standard-gauge railway line, which will stretch for over 800 kilometers.

Driven by its "go abroad" ambitions, Chinese railway enterprises are reportedly seeking more opportunities abroad.

Taking effect on Feb. 1, 2015, the specifications will lay a solid foundation for railway enterprises to explore the overseas market, according to the NRA statement.