On November 3, the 2024 China Intelligent Transportation Conference in Hangzhou unveiled the CITA Scientific and Technological Awards, recognizing top innovations in the field. CRRC Sifang Co., Ltd. won First Prize in the Technical Invention Award for its next-generation intelligent suspended monorail train, one of only two projects nationwide to receive this honor.
As the highest accolade in China’s intelligent transportation sector, the CITA Awards have been held annually for 13 years to drive industry innovation. In 2024, the awards covered four Technical Invention Awards (two First Prizes, two Second Prizes), 58 Scientific and Technological Progress Awards, 5 Innovation Awards, 9 Young Scientist Awards, and 2 Innovation Team Awards.
Breakthrough Innovation in Suspended Monorail Technology
A suspended monorail is an advanced rail transit system where the train body is suspended beneath an elevated track supported by steel structures, allowing it to “float” in the air.
CRRC Sifang has spent the past ten years advancing suspended monorail technology through continuous innovation and optimization. The newly developed train features a high-comfort bogie system based on the “wind-vehicle-bridge coupling” theory, a self-driving system powered by full-scenario intelligent perception and energy-efficient strategies, and an active safety monitoring and emergency response system. These breakthroughs achieve key technological advancements, giving CRRC’s suspended monorail train a fully independent intellectual property portfolio.
The train sets new industry benchmarks with high levels of intelligence, featuring autonomous operation, smart services, and intelligent maintenance. Its ride stability meets the highest GB5599 “Excellent” grade, while its interior noise level of just 67dB surpasses national and industry standards, offering a quieter and smoother passenger experience. Compared to similar domestic and international models, CRRC Sifang’s train represents a generational leap forward in monorail technology.
China’s First Commercial Suspended Monorail Takes Off
In 2023, the train was successfully launched on the Optics Valley Air Rail Tourist Line in Wuhan, making it the first suspended monorail in China to enter commercial operation. This milestone marks the beginning of a new era in China’s suspended monorail industry.
With strong visual appeal, safety, environmental friendliness, minimal land use, cost-effectiveness, and adaptability to diverse environments, the train offers a smart transit solution for urban commuting and tourism development. Since entering service, it has become a moving aerial landmark in Wuhan, attracting widespread domestic and international attention. It has also emerged as a popular tourist attraction, drawing large numbers of visitors eager to experience this futuristic mode of transport.
To further accelerate commercial adoption, CRRC Sifang has introduced a cost-optimized monorail solution, reducing per-kilometer construction costs to approximately 1 billion RMB. This innovative approach significantly lowers investment costs and simplifies project approvals, making the technology more accessible to cities looking to adopt suspended monorail systems.
In addition to winning CITA’s First Prize in the Technical Invention Award, the next-generation intelligent suspended monorail train was also recognized by the China Mechanical Engineering Society with the 9th “China Good Design” Award this year.
