Xi'an Launches New Trans-Caspian Rail Link to Europe
In a move set to boost connectivity between China and Europe, a new trans-Caspian international transport corridor was launched on Friday in Xi'an, northwest China's Shaanxi Province. 🚂🌍
A China-Europe freight train departed from Xi'an International Port Station, embarking on an epic 11,300-kilometer journey through Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Bulgaria, Serbia, Hungary, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic before reaching its final destination in Mannheim, Germany. 🇩🇪
The launch ceremony, a collaboration of 15 members of the International Association of Trans-Caspian International Transport Routes, marked a significant upgrade in international rail logistics. 🎉
Uniting Efforts for Greater Efficiency
According to Yuan Xiaojun, general manager of Xi'an Free Trade Port Construction and Operation, the new corridor represents a shift from the old model where trans-Caspian transport operated through outsourcing to various rail and logistics companies. Now, all member units have united their efforts and resources in Xi'an to collaboratively serve the Chinese market. 🤝
\"This shift and upgrade in the service model not only enhances the efficiency, timeliness, and cost-effectiveness of transporting goods from China to Europe via this corridor but also deepens the integration of services from the trans-Caspian member units into China, fostering a stronger connection with the Chinese export market,\" Yuan said. 💪
Rapid Growth in Rail Connectivity
Since the launch of the trans-Caspian and Black Sea train services in April 2022, Xi'an's trans-Caspian train operations have seen rapid growth. Train frequency has skyrocketed from one train every seven days to six to seven trains per week! 🚄📈
To date, a total of 150 trains have been dispatched, transporting 137,000 tonnes of goods. This new corridor is set to make trade between China and Europe faster and more efficient, opening up new opportunities for businesses on both continents. 🌐💼
With this enhanced connectivity, we can look forward to a future where goods and ideas flow more freely between East and West, bringing us all a little closer together. ✨
Reference(s):
New trans-Caspian corridor of China-Europe Railway launched in Xi'an
cgtn.com