A fixed-schedule international freight train, fully loaded with 1,229 tons of agricultural products, agricultural machinery, and heavy chemicals in 76 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent unit), set off from the Huaihua International Land Port on October 30, 2023. It was bound for Vientiane, Laos along the China-Laos Railway.
This was the first fixed-schedule freight train from Huaihua to Vientiane on the China-Laos Railway. This service will facilitate the export of agricultural and sideline products to the ASEAN countries, and help promote economic and trade cooperation as well as cultural exchanges among the countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
A Huaihua-Vientiane fixed-schedule freight train sets off from the Huaihua International Land Port. (Photo/Zhang Zhuo)
The fixed-schedule trains, featuring fixed stations, rail lines, departure and arrival times, prices, and train numbers, are given priority in train arrangement, loading, transporting, and departure permits. The debut of such trains makes clear that the Huaihua International Land Port has pioneered regular operation of rural vitalization-themed freight trains which are expected to connect domestic and foreign areas, drive development in surrounding regions, and promote common benefit and mutual assistance.
With fixed schedules, these trains can save a day of travel time compared with other non-scheduled freight trains. This will help Huaihua and its surrounding areas develop a national logistics network.
The first fixed-schedule freight train is fully loaded with 1,220 tons of agricultural products, agricultural machinery, and heavy chemicals in 76 TEUs. (Photo/Zhang Zhuo)
As of October 26, the Huaihua International Land Port has handled 349 freight trains bound for ASEAN countries, fulfilling 87% of its annual goals. The import and export cargo volume has hit 474,000 tons, with a total value of 1.6 billion CNY.
The launching of the fixed-schedule freight trains indicates that the operation of Huaihua-Vientiane freight trains has been upgraded to an advanced level with a distinct branding standard. This will help improve comprehensive transportation efficiency, lower logistics costs, and promote Hunan’s industrial and agricultural products to the ASEAN markets.
This article is from the Hunan Provincial Government www.enghunan.gov.cn.
Translator: Pang Yuehui
Chinese source: Chinanews
