BEIJING - Chinese engineers have developed a new type of bullet train that can withstand temperatures as low as minus 40 degrees Celsius, a researcher familiar with the train's development said Sunday.

Li Heping, a research fellow with the China Academy of Railway Sciences (CARS), told Xinhua on the sidelines of the annual session of the 11th Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, which opened Saturday.

The prototype of the new bullet train was developed by China CNR Corporation Limited, the country's second largest train maker, said Li, who is also a member of the CPPCC National Committee.

Currently, the new bullet train is under safety evaluation and tests by the CARS, Li said.

"We demand bullet trains running in severe cold areas withstand the test of temperature as low as minus 40 degrees Celsius and such requirements are very stringent," he said.

According to Li, component parts, material and the control system equipped with the bullet train must pass all necessary tests under an ultra-low temperature environment before putting into operation.

If the new bullet train passes all tests, it is expected to debut in the Harbin-Dalian rail line, in northeast China, at the end of this year, Li said.