High-speed rail
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 and existing lines in excess of are widely considered to be high-speed, with some extending the definition to include lower speeds 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.
High-speed rail in Europe
Construction of a new 60 km Copenhagen–Ringsted Line, which will allow speeds up to 250 km/h began in 2012. Furthermore, the railway line towards the future Fehmarn Belt Fixed Link was upgraded to 160 km/h in 2010, and will be upgraded to a 200 km/h doubletracked line in 2021. Once these two projects are finished Denmark will be able to link the Swedish high-speed lines with the rest of the European high-speed rail network - assuming that Germany builds a high-speed link between Hamburg and Fehmarn (their plan is to stay at 160 km/h for cost reasons)