Shanghai to expand "maglev" route for World Expo

China will expand its high-speed magnetic levitation train, the world's only "maglev" train in commercial use, to the site of the World Expo 2010, Eastday.com reported on Tuesday.

Launched in 2003 using German technology, the maglev floats for 30 km (18 miles) on a magnetic cushion between suburban Shanghai and its international airport.

Hong Hao, deputy secretary general of the Shanghai government, said the city was planning to boost its transport network, including the maglev, which has a top speed of about 430 km (270 miles) an hour, Eastday.com reported.

"It is for sure that global tourists will enjoy the fast, convenient and safe service by 2010 when they come to Shanghai," Eastday.com quoted Hong as saying.

The Chinese government and a German consortium including Siemens AG have also discussed the possibility of extending the line by 160 km (100 miles) to the city of Hangzhou.