Development of next-generation high-speed railways: Current status, trends, and suggestions

In recent decades, high-speed railway (HSR) technology has seen rapid advancements and the knowledge system in related fields has gradually matured. Providing the speed, safety, and comfort of HSR has become an eternal pursuit of railway researchers. Meanwhile, enormous advances in HSR have contributed significantly to the development of the global economy, culture, education, and numerous other sectors. However, there is no clear summary of the current status of HSR both domestically and internationally, nor of the development direction of next-generation HSR. To address the aforementioned research gap, this paper provides a comprehensive overview of the HSR situation in four countries: China, Japan, Germany, and France. It examines the current status by analyzing the development of HSR networks, the level of enterprise concentration, the advancements in HSR equipment technology, as well as HSR development plans and associated national policies. Subsequently, we thoroughly analyze the high-speed maglev train system, which embodies the development trends of the next-generation HSR. This involves an elaboration on three key aspects: the traction power supply system, the train control system, and the vehicle system. Additionally, a summary of the key technologies for next-generation HSR is provided. This research provides the following recommendations. Optimize the railway network planning under the “Trunk Maglev Operation Scheme with Branch Wheel-Rail.” The construction of generic technology research institutions needs to be strengthened. Attentively focus on cultivating basic talent cultivation and enhancing the quality system in fundamental fields. This review provides significant references and guidance for the development of the next-generation HSR. • This study conducts a comprehensive examination of the contemporary HSR landscape in China, Japan, Germany, and France, with a focus on critical dimensions such as the expansion of HSR networks, the degree of enterprise concentration, technological advancements in HSR equipment, national development strategies and associated policies, and progress in next-generation HSR systems. • The status examination of maglev development is conducted. Begin with the status in France, Germany, and Japan, followed by a detailed case study of maglev train system in China. The analysis focuses on three core subsystems. Through this structured approach, strategic pathways for global maglev development are highlighted. • Based on the comparative examination of HSR across different nations and the investigation into the development of next-generation HSR systems, a proposed hybrid operational framework for future HSR is illustrated. Additionally, it puts forth supplementary proposals in different perspectives.