CRRC Produces China’s First Six-Car Urban Rail Express Train

In March 2025, the first six-car urban rail express train for the Chongqing Metro Line 15 was officially completed at CRRC Changchun’s manufacturing facility.

This development advances the ongoing expansion of Chongqing’s urban rail infrastructure, with the train specifically designed to meet the operational demands of the region’s topography and passenger needs.

The train has a maximum passenger capacity of 2,428 per trainset and features a modular design that enables flexible configurations of either four or six cars. This allows operators to adjust train lengths based on passenger volumes, contributing to improved transport efficiency and lower operational costs.

Additionally, the train can operate across multiple lines, including the Chongqing Bitong Line and Line 27, which supports system-wide compatibility and helps reduce spare parts inventory and maintenance requirements.

A key aspect of the train’s design is its ability to navigate Chongqing’s mountainous terrain. It is built to handle gradients of up to 50‰ (5%) in line with the local geography.

To improve environmental performance, the train incorporates lithium titanate batteries. These provide fast-charging capabilities, zero-emission operation, and an extended service life, contributing to reduced overall energy consumption. The vehicle’s structure also benefits from a lightweight design, with each car weighing approximately 2 tonnes less than comparable models. This has been achieved through the use of composite flooring, a high-frequency auxiliary inverter, and an integrated traction system.

The train’s introduction will support the ongoing growth of the metro network while contributing to more efficient and environmentally conscious urban transport.