China launches new freight rail route to Germany bypassing Russia

The first train loaded with 42 containers weighing 316 tons left Xi’an on April 13

BEIJING, 20 April. /TASS/. The Chinese authorities have launched a new route for freight trains from the city of Xi’an (northwestern Shaanxi province) to the city of Mannheim in Germany. According to a statement on the official website of the Xi’an Customs Administration, it will also cross the Black and Caspian Seas using mixed rail and sea transport.

According to the document, the first train loaded with 42 containers weighing 316 tons left Xi’an on April 13. It is noted that it will pass through Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and, having overcome a total of 11.3 thousand km, will reach the city of Mannheim.

According to Xi’an Free Trade Port Construction and Operation Co. head Yuan Xiaojun, quoted by Xinhua News Agency, the new route covers countries and regions where few China-Europe trains used to pass through, and opens up new markets for both Chinese and and for international enterprises. He also pointed out that the new route opens up new transport opportunities for domestic and foreign logistics companies.

The new route is the 16th for freight trains running between the Chinese city and Europe, according to the Xian Customs Administration.