Kazakh Railways (KTZ) and China Railway Container Transport (CRCT) have launched a new China – Europe train. Whereas these trains usually take the northern route through Russia or go along the Middle Corridor, this time KTZ and CRCT have opted for something else.
The train, which carries containers loaded with television components, left from Chengdu, China to Łódź, Poland. The most logical route would be for the train to go through Russia, Belarus and into Poland through Malaszewicze. However, this time, the train will enter Kazakhstan, continue into Turkmenistan, Iran, Türkiye and further into Europe.
That also means that the train will take a longer time than usual: the expected travel time is 52 to 60 days. As of November 2024, Middle Corridor transit times were approximately 30 days.
Strategic role of Kazakhstan
KTZ and CRCT did not provide an explanation for choosing the southern route through Turkmenistan and Iran as opposed to the more conventional ones. However, KTZ says that “this route not only expands the transport capabilities of the region, but also makes international logistics even more flexible, fast and reliable. The launch of the service confirms the strategic role of Kazakhstan as a key transit hub and strengthens its position on the map of global cargo transportation.”