China-Europe Freight Trains Achieve Impressive Growth from January to July

In the first seven months of this year, China-Europe freight trains (China Railway Express) successfully operated 11,403 trains, transporting 1.226 million TEUs (Twenty-foot Equivalent Units) of goods. This represents a year-on-year increase of 12% in the number of trains and an 11% increase in cargo volume. In July alone, 1,776 trains were operated, transporting 185,000 TEUs, marking the third consecutive month with over 1,700 trains in operation.

The China State Railway Group Co., Ltd. (China Railway) has consistently adhered to President Xi Jinping's directives on the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and China-Europe freight trains, aiming to continuously improve the quality and efficiency of these trains. Their efforts have played a significant role in ensuring the stability and smooth operation of international supply and industrial chains, providing new momentum for China's foreign trade development and high-level opening-up.

1. Strengthening Corridor Capacity and Efficiency

Efforts to enhance the capacity of China-Europe freight train corridors have been a top priority. China Railway has improved coordination between domestic and international transportation, strengthened the construction of key corridors, enhanced port reloading capabilities, and promoted faster customs clearance processes. The three main corridors—Western (via Alashankou and Horgos ports), Central (via Erenhot port), and Eastern (via Manzhouli, Suifenhe, and Tongjiang North ports)—saw year-on-year increases of 15%, 22%, and 2%, respectively, in the number of trains operated from January to July. Additionally, the China-Europe freight train service via the Caspian Sea Corridor has continued to operate steadily.

2. Expanding Timetable-Based Train Operations

The scale of timetable-based China-Europe freight trains has been steadily expanding, improving the overall quality of service. Since the third phase of the full-schedule operation was implemented in mid-June, 17 trains per week have been consistently operated on routes from Xi'an, Chengdu, Chongqing, Yiwu, Wuhan, and Guangzhou to Duisburg in Germany and ?ód? in Poland. These trains, operating with passenger train-like precision, offer reliable transit times and have gained popularity among customers. Moreover, China Railway has responded to market demand by launching customized trains for electric vehicles and cross-border e-commerce, delivering high-quality international logistics services.

3. Enhancing Safety and Stability through Continuous Monitoring

To ensure the safe and stable operation of China-Europe freight trains, China Railway has closely cooperated with railway departments of countries along the route. By leveraging new technologies such as BeiDou satellite navigation and 5G, the company has strengthened real-time safety monitoring throughout the entire journey. Additionally, measures such as security inspections, load reinforcement, and risk prevention have been enhanced to safeguard the safe operation of the trains.

Looking Ahead

In the coming months, China Railway will continue to study and implement the spirit of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, with a focus on contributing to the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative. The company will adhere to the principles of consultation, cooperation, and shared benefits, and work towards further improving the quality, efficiency, and safety of China-Europe freight trains. By doing so, China Railway will provide strong transportation support for the development of China-Europe trade and high-level opening-up.