London to Beijing by high-speed train

Mar 10, 2010 1:28:49 AM

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Okay, okay, maybe not just yet. But according to a report in the Telegraph, China is in negotiations to build a continent-spanning high-speed rail network within the next ten years.

These trains would be able to travel at over 200mph, meaning travellers could jump aboard in London and alight 5,070 miles and two days later in Beijing. It would also run to India and Pakistan, with follow-on projects creating routes through Russia to Germany, segueing into Europe’s rail system. Even further down the track (ahem) will be routes into Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar/Burma and Malaysia.

Pretty amazing concept, huh? Instead of interminable bone-rattlers, you can get on this rocket-like train and feasibly travel thousands of miles in relative speed and comfort. This also has implications for the environment, making the idea of green long-haul travel a distinct possibility. It may not have the romance of old-school rail travel but it may redefine the experience to be exciting in a different way.

Would you choose rail over air if this high-speed option was available to you? Would cost be a factor? What do you think could be the knock-on effects of such a service on the travel industry? We’d love to hear what you think. Post your comments below.

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Comments

10 March 2010 11:54PM eurozhongguo Report this comment
Given the Chinese government's drive to dominate the world by paying for its infrastructure, this exciting prospect doesn't surprise me and there should certainly be plenty of passengers. There will inevitably be stops on the way too in places like Berlin and Moscow. It is unlikely though that the train will get closer to London than Paris or Brussels. As much as the Chinese think everyone is so grateful for the infrastructure projects they undertake on foreign soil, they usually only benefit China. Therefore, expect opposition. Take the Kunming-Bangkok expressway. Thailand is already dragging its feet over building a bridge in Chiang Khong and have only just started upgrading highway 1020, but the Chinese section was completed in 1996. This is because they know that Thailand will even be even more flooded by cheap Chinese imports, not to mention illegal Chinese immigrants. The Chinese are not exactly the flavour of the month in immediately neighbouring countries.
11 March 2010 11:30AM nemilym Report this comment
Trains are always a good idea. period.
11 March 2010 2:18PM agentcikay Report this comment
excellent news. since I live in the capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, it would be grand having access to Beijing via high-speed rail. Even so,how much further is 'further down the line' LOL. I might be an old lady by then!
18 July 2011 2:07AM lowalker147 Report this comment
I would definitely take a train if it was cheaper. But because of the distance I don't know how this will be achieved. There's the oriental express but that's a luxury train that only goes as far as Turkey I think. And it's very expensive. I'm also concerned about the safety of going through Pakistan. Not that I don't want to go there (it's on my to do list), but the fastest way is through Afghanistan which is in general turmoil right now. I think though that this will open up an amazing link again between Europe and the West to Central Asia and beyond. It will rekindle the Silk Road.