A rail freight project connecting China to Europe through the mountain pass of Alataw, also known as the Dzungarian Gate, has recently reported growth in terms of cargo transported.
The project - launched over a decade ago - witnessed more than 30,000 China-Europe train trips from 2011 until late March. A recent report by China’s state media, Xinhua, stated that Alataw Pass “handled 1,588 China-Europe freight train trips in the first quarter this year, marking a 10.35% year-on-year jump.”
Over three million tonnes of products were transported during this period, added Xinhua, including wine, chocolates and chemical fertilizers. China State Railway Group described this pass as “one of the most important ports for cross-border trains to Europe.”
The rise in the number of trips could be attributed to efficient customs clearance processes, says industry experts. According to workers at the Alataw Railway Station, “The average daily number of China-Europe freight trains handled by the port remains 17 today, compared to a monthly average of 3.5 trains in 2012."
Almost 30% of freight trains in China are China-Europe trains that pass through Alataw. Trains on this connection could reach 19 countries, including Germany, Poland and Russia.
