(Yicai Global) June 6 -- Chinese Contractor Xinzhu Road & Bridge Machinery will invest CNY680 million (USD106 million) in the construction of a 4.5 kilometer-long test line for magnetic levitation trains in Chengdu, capital of western Sichuan province.

The project is the result of cooperation with Germany's Max Bögl Group, which specializes in a new-generation of medium-to-low speed maglev systems, the Chengdu-based firm said in a statement. Xinzhu holds exclusive rights to the technology in China.

The elevated line will include one station and trains will run at a maximum speed of around 200 kilometers per hour. The project will also test signal systems, power supply and autopilot features.

The firm aims to start construction in August with testing to commence in June next year. The line will be completely finished by August 2020.

After the project is finished, the company will collaborate with Max Bögl in developing a 120kmph light rail system, a 160kmph municipal traffic system and a 200kmph short-distance inter-city traffic system, the company said, adding that the three projects will cover around 90 percent of urban rail transit market applications.

Editor: William Clegg