Wedoany.com Report-Apr. 21, On Sunday morning, a freight train carrying polyester chips departed from Chongqing, southwest China, bound for Uzbekistan, launching a new regular freight train route to Central Asian countries. The train, covering approximately 4,700 kilometers, is expected to reach the Uzbek capital in about 12 days. It will exit China via Horgos Port in Xinjiang and travel through Kazakhstan.

A drone photo taken on April 20, 2025 shows a China-Central Asia freight train waiting for departure at the Tuanjiecun Station in southwest China's Chongqing. A freight train, loaded with polyester chips made in southwest China's Chongqing, departed from the municipality on Sunday morning heading for Uzbekistan, marking the inauguration of a new regular freight train route from Chongqing to Central Asian countries. The train is expected to arrive in the Uzbek capital roughly 4,700 kilometers away in about 12 days. It will exit China through Horgos Port in Xinjiang and pass through Kazakhstan. Such regular services could ensure fast customs clearance, timely transportation and reduced costs, so as to guarantee cross-border transportation of better quality.

According to China Railway Chengdu Group Co., Ltd., two trains are scheduled to operate monthly from Chongqing to Central Asia. Xu Meiqiong, an engineer with the company, stated: “Such regular services could ensure fast customs clearance, timely transportation and reduced costs, so as to guarantee cross-border transportation of better quality.” The regular route is projected to shorten transportation time between Chongqing and Central Asia by 30 percent.

The cargo on the inaugural train came from Chongqing Wankai New Materials Technology Co., Ltd. Lin Zheng, the company’s logistics manager, remarked: “The launch of the new route would be good for them to expand their market in Central Asia.” This development is expected to support businesses in accessing regional markets more efficiently.

Chongqing has been working to establish itself as a major inland hub in recent years. The city has seen a steady increase in the number of freight trains and cargo volumes heading to Europe and Central Asia. As of February, over 18,000 trains have departed from Chongqing, operating on more than 50 regular routes. These trains connect to over 100 hub cities and regions across Asia and Europe, facilitating robust trade and logistics networks.

The new Chongqing-Central Asia route enhances the city’s role as a key logistics center, offering reliable and cost-effective transportation options. By streamlining customs processes and reducing transit times, the route supports businesses in Chongqing and strengthens economic ties with Central Asian markets.