Changsha Maglev Express

The Changsha Maglev Express is a medium-low speed magnetic levitation, or maglev line in Changsha, China. This is China's second maglev line, after Shanghai Maglev, and the first domestically built maglev line, which uses indigenous technology. The line stretches over 18.55 km and runs between Changsha Huanghua International Airport, Langli station and the high-speed railway station Changsha South railway station.

The original rolling stock was designed for a speed of up to 120 kph but operated with a maximum speed of 100 kph. In July 2021 the new model entered service operating at a top speed of 140 kph, which reduced the travel time by three minutes.

History
Construction started in May 2014, trial running on 26 December 2015, and finally start trial operations on 6 May 2016. Since the beginning of construction in May 2014, the project has received an estimated investment of 4.6 billion yuan ($749 million).

A 4.5 km extension of the line is currently under construction, to connect to the under construction Terminal 3 on the east side of the airport. The extension will be elevated for 0.2 km and underground for 4.3 km. Two underground stations are planned for the extension. Construction started on 25 April 2021.

Operating hours
The first train departs from Huanghua Airport station or Changsha South railway station at 7:00am. The last train leaves Changsha South railway station at 10:00pm or Huanghua Airport station at 10:30pm. The current service interval is 11 minutes 40 seconds and each train completes the whole journey in 19 minutes 30 seconds.