An expedited freight service leveraging upgraded border facilities has achieved a remarkable feat by transporting containers 4,486 km from Xi’an in China to Toshkent in Uzbekistan within a record five days. This milestone, announced by the Kazakh national railway company KTZ, underscores significant advancements in the China-Kazakhstan-Uzbekistan rail freight corridor.
The initiative was orchestrated within the framework of an agreement for the development of rail freight among China, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, a pact endorsed by the presidents of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan during a meeting in April. This collaborative effort aims to bolster economic ties and streamline logistical operations between the countries.
The journey commenced at the Kazakh-Chinese terminal in Xi’an, where containers were initially loaded onto China’s 1,435 mm gauge wagons. Upon reaching the KTZ Korgas Gateway dry port, the containers were transhipped onto 1,520 mm gauge wagons suitable for the Kazakh railway system. This seamless transition at Korgas, a critical logistical hub, was key to maintaining the efficiency and speed of the service.
Traversing through Kazakhstan, the freight moved towards the Saryagash border, where additional infrastructure enhancements facilitated quicker processing and clearance. The collaboration with the Uzbek railway administration played a pivotal role in these improvements, notably expanding the border infrastructure at Saryagash. This expansion has led to a 50% increase in capacity, significantly boosting the throughput of freight traffic between the two nations.
The service concluded at Toshkent, a major logistical hub in Central Asia, marking a new benchmark for freight transport in the region. The strategic importance of Toshkent in the freight network cannot be overstated, as it serves as a critical link in the transcontinental supply chain.
On August 5, KTZ highlighted that the overall transport time was drastically reduced due to the enhanced terminal capabilities in China and the upgraded border infrastructure. These improvements reflect a broader strategy to optimize freight logistics and facilitate faster, more reliable trade routes across Central Asia.
The impact of this service extends beyond mere speed. In 2023, freight traffic between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan totaled 31 million tonnes, marking a 17.2% increase compared to 2022. This surge is attributed to the streamlined processes and expanded capacity resulting from the infrastructural upgrades and the strengthened cooperation between the railway administrations of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
The record-setting service not only exemplifies the potential of rail freight in enhancing regional connectivity but also highlights the benefits of international collaboration in infrastructural development. As the countries continue to invest in and develop their transport corridors, such achievements pave the way for more efficient and robust trade networks, ultimately fostering economic growth and regional integration.
In conclusion, the expedited freight service from Xi’an to Toshkent stands as a testament to the transformative power of infrastructure development and international cooperation. With continued efforts to enhance the China-Kazakhstan-Uzbekistan rail corridor, the future of freight transport in Central Asia looks promising, poised for further milestones and greater economic synergy.
