China: CRRC Launches VELLINK Brand in Ningbo

CRRC has officially launched its China standard urban rail train brand, VELLINK, in Ningbo, China.

Built on a technical framework comprising one system and eight train models; VELLINK encompasses two platforms – metro trains and intelligent regional rail trains.

Based on China’s standardised urban rail transit technology system, the metro platform includes Type A and Type B trains with operating speeds of 80 km/h and 120 km/h, while the regional rail platform includes Type A, Type C, and Type D trains with an operating speed of 160 km/h, as well as Type D trains for speeds of 200 km/h in an approach to meet the diverse requirements of different rail lines and passenger volumes.

VELLINK aims to support cross-line operation across interconnected rail networks, and seeks to improve connectivity both within cities and across metropolitan areas.

In total, the trains are expected to reduce mainline failure rates by 10%, and look to improve operational and maintenance efficiency by 10%. In terms of sustainability, they are capable of achieving overall energy savings of more than 10%, a reuse rate of at least 90%, and a recyclability rate of at least 95%.

The platform integrates vehicles and services into one unified technology platform, allowing for data traceability throughout the entire lifecycle, from design, manufacturing, and testing to operation, maintenance, and retirement, whilst its integrated “Product +” solutions reduce lifecycle operation and maintenance costs by 10%.

CRRC previously showcased its brand-new VELLINK driverless metro train platform at InnoTrans 2026, a vehicle which aims to represent the company’s ambitions to move toward the use of embodied AI within mass transit.