On August 13, 2024, China introduced new cross-border routes connecting Guangdong-Yunnan-Mekong and China-Laos-Thailand, this is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

China Launches New Freight Routes to Southeast Asia
Photo: Xinhua

Two trains departed simultaneously from the Kunming terminal in Yunnan Province.

Bangkok to Procure 51 New Metro Trains: Which Companies Will be the Suppliers?

One train was carrying tropical fruits, while the other transported furniture, kitchenware, and asbestos products. The first train headed to Guangzhou, and the second one went to Vientiane and Bangkok.

According to China Railways (CR), the launch of these routes has created a new freight corridor linking the Chinese provinces of Guangdong and Yunnan with Southeast Asian countries.

This will significantly improve the efficiency of the China-Laos Railway. Since the route opened in December 2021, it has transported 41.6 million tons of cargo, including 9.8 million tons of cross-border shipments.

Currently, 18 freight trains operate daily, underscoring the importance of this corridor for linking China with Southeast Asia.

Future plans include expanding the China-Laos route. To the north, it will connect with logistics hubs in Shanghai, Xi’an, Chengdu, and Chongqing, as well as with China Railway Express (CRE) routes to Europe.

To the south, connections through Thailand’s 1000 mm gauge railways and southern ports will enable access to Malaysia and Singapore. This development will contribute to regional economic growth.

Photo: Xinhua

Rail business, industry, and railway technology news from Railway Supply that you might have missed:

Increase in Freight Flow Through Ukrainian-Polish Border Crossings by 32%: New Records and Changes in Railway Transportation Structure

Find the latest news of the railway industry in Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union and the rest of the world on our page on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, read Railway Supply magazine online.

Place your ads on webportal and in Railway Supply magazine. Detailed information is in Railway Supply media kit