New Delhi, Dec. 27 -- China has broken a world record by testing its fastest-ever maglev train, which reached a speed of 700 km/h in just two seconds. The test was carried out by researchers at China's National University of Defence Technology. During the trial, a maglev vehicle weighing about one tonne (1,000 kg) was rapidly accelerated on a short 400-metre track and then safely stopped. This makes it the fastest superconducting electric maglev train ever tested.

Video from the experiment shows the train streaking past like a silver flash, moving so quickly that it is difficult to see with the naked eye. A thin misty trail follows it, giving the scene a science-fiction-like appearance.

The train uses superconducting magnets to float ab...