New Railway Routes: The China-Europe Trans-Caspian Express Project

The recently launched China-Europe Trans-Caspian Express project opens new opportunities for multimodal transportation in the Eurasian region, this is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

This project is the result of cooperation between China and Kazakhstan, and its launch took place during the official visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Kazakhstan on July 3, 2024.

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The China-Europe Trans-Caspian Express promises to significantly improve logistics infrastructure and accelerate trade links between China and Europe.

Trans-Caspian International Transport Route

The China-Europe Trans-Caspian Express project complements the already existing China-Europe Railway Express.

The first train carrying containers loaded with consumer goods and automotive equipment departed from the freight terminal in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, to Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, on July 1, 2024.

This route follows the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TMTM), also known as the Middle Corridor.

China Railways (CR) has organized regular freight services to Azerbaijan, ensuring the delivery of goods through the Khorgos border crossing via Kazakhstan railways to the port of Aktau on the Caspian Sea, from where the containers are shipped by sea to the port of Baku.

Advantages and Challenges of the New Route

The new route promises a significant reduction in delivery times compared to alternative routes.

It is expected that delivery from Xi’an to Baku will take about 12 days. However, it is necessary to consider that the TMTM route requires crossing several borders and multiple transfers between different types of transport, which may increase transit time compared to routes through Russian territory. Despite this, the geopolitical situation is contributing to the growing interest of shippers in the Trans-Caspian route.

Stimulating Trade and Economic Growth

The launch of the China-Europe Trans-Caspian Express will give new impetus to trade development between China and the countries located along the TMTM.

It will also contribute to economic growth in the region, creating new business opportunities and expanding access to international markets.

In the context of globalization and the growing demand for efficient logistics solutions, such initiatives play a key role in strengthening international ties and improving economic indicators.

Photo: CNS

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