TGV-Est sets new world record

April 3rd 2007

France smashed the speed record for rail-borne high speed trains when an Alstom V150 train set reached 574.8 kph (365mph) at Kilometre 191 on the new TGV-Est line, between Paris and Strasbourg, at 13h13, this afternoon.

The previous TGV record was 320mph, achieved in 1990. The electrical tension in the overhead line was boosted from 25,000 volts to 31,000 for the record attempt. ‘This speed record represents a major technological and human achievement. The results of tests conducted on board the V150 trainset enable us to envisage a highly promising future in the domain of very high-speed rail transport,’ says Anne-Marie Idrac, SNCF Chief Executive Officer.  The V150 trainset is made up of 2 TGV™ POS  power cars and 3 TGV™  Duplex(double-decker) coaches.

The new line is expected to open for commercial traffic in June.

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