The maiden voyage started on Tuesday in northwest China's transport hub of Xi'an and is expected to end at the Polish southern town of Sławków in about 10 days, following the distance of 9,478 km. In the meantime, after crossing China's border through the Alataw Pass, the train will run through Kazakhstan, Russia and Ukraine before it reaches Poland.
From Sławków cargo will be sent via a freight train to the Polish seaport of Gdańsk and then shipped out to north-western European countries.
Gdańsk already receives intermodal transport from China through the eastern railway hub of Małaszewicze.
Compared with the traditional maritime route, the rail service takes less time and involves fewer changes in trains during the long journey.
To date over 50 Chinese cities are reported to have launched direct freight train services with Europe.
Source: Xinhua, intermodalnews.pl
(mo)