 Reflecting a design speed of 350 km / h (217 mph), track layout was designed with a minimum curve radius of 6,250 m (20,505 ft), track-centre distance of 4,500 mm (177.2 in), right-of-way width of 18 m (59 ft), and a maximum gradient of 2.5 %, except for 3.5 % at one location. All but 3 km (1.9 mi) of track is ballastless, combining slab track of Japanese manufacture on open line sections with switches from a German supplier. Track laying began in July 2003. The line was electrified with the 25 kV / 60 Hz AC system. The signalling and train control system was laid out for bi-directional operation according to European specifications. Each track section has a checkpoint, and an automatic control system ensures that trains are spaced at least 1 km (0.62 mi) apart to prevent collisions.
