Rail freight traffic between Europe and China has resumed by more than 90 per cent. Compared to the same period last year, the number of trains even increased. This was reported by the national development and Reform Commission (NDRC). The Chinese government intends to introduce measures to promote the safe, stable and efficient operation of China-EU trains.

This was announced on the Chinese CCTV NEWS. By the end of February, 1132 trains had run between China and Europe from the start of the year. This is a 6 per cent increase year on year. The heavy box rate remained at a high level, and the return journey was basically balanced.

The Chinese hubs of Changsha, Chengdu, Chongqing, Xi’an and other key cities were named as examples that maintained normal operation during the epidemic. Currently three east-west corridors, 35 main lines, and the border crossings of Khorgos, Alashankou, Manchuria and Erenhot are functioning normally, and there is no congestion or congestion due to the outbreak, the news site reported.

Supporting increase

The NDRC further said that the next step would be to significantly increase the capacity of China-EU trains to ensure that they are utilised to their full capacity. Measures include the linkage of rail and road, transportation across localities and a better distribution of goods to the most suitable hubs.

The Chinese government wants to merge business of China and Europe more efficiently and further simplify the transportation and customs formalities. It also want to innovate the operation modes of goods inspection and loading change, and support the expansion of import and export through the use of China-EU trains.