Beijing (TDI): In a major development, China inaugurated its first direct rail freight route connecting Chongqing with Afghanistan.
The train, carrying 55 containers of telecommunications equipment manufactured by ZTE, departed from Tuancicun station in Chongqing and will pass through Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan before arriving in Hairatan, Afghanistan.
The journey, likely to take 12-15 days, will enhance the efficiency and speed of trade between the regions, considerably cutting transportation time by 3-5 days compared to road transport.
The reduced transit times are also likely to lower logistics costs by 15-20 percent.
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The cargo being transported will aid in the development of Afghanistan’s local communication networks, contributing to the country’s socio-economic growth.
With the new rail connection, the route strengthens trade and economic relations between China, Afghanistan, and Central Asia, boosting the security and effectiveness of freight transportation.
It also underlines the growing significance of rail logistics in promoting regional economic collaboration.
This launch is part of China’s broader initiative to expand global rail freight services, with more than 18,000 trains already operating on China-Europe and China-Central Asia routes, according to local authorities.
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The successful implementation of the direct rail route between Chongqing and Afghanistan further reinforces China’s commitment to enhancing its economic collaboration with Afghanistan and the wider Central Asian region.
