High-speed rail is a type of
rail transport that operates significantly faster than traditional rail traffic, using an integrated system of specialized
rolling stock and dedicated tracks. While there is no single standard that applies worldwide, new lines in excess of 250 km/h and existing lines in excess of 200 km/h are widely considered to be high-speed, with some extending the definition to include much lower speeds (e.g. 160 km/h) in areas for which these speeds still represent significant improvements. The first such system began operations in Japan in 1964 and was widely known as the bullet train. High-speed trains normally operate on
standard gauge tracks of
continuously welded rail on
grade-separated right-of-way that incorporates a large
turning radius in its design.