New freight train links Inner Mongolia with Iran

A new freight route connecting Hohhot in Inner Mongolia to Bam in Iran opened on Sept 4, and the train will usually take 15 days to travel over 9,000 kilometers to the destination.

The first train loaded with 41 containers worth nearly 10 million yuan ($1.5 million) of goods departed from Shaliang logistics park in Horinger new district during the day.

The China-Europe train heading to Iran was loaded with auto parts and mechanical equipment, and will be 20 days faster than shipping, according to staff from the Hohhot Bureau of China Railway. It’s expected to improve the cross-border logistics and connect Inner Mongolia with the world.

In recent weeks, Horinger new district has become a crucial technology innovation hub in the region with 298 research institutes, eight national laboratories, 40 technical incubators and a national-level economic and technological development park.

On May 10, the first China-Europe freight service departing from Inner Mongolian to Tehran of Iran was launched, carrying 1,150 metric tons of sunflower seeds through Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan on a journey of 8,352 kilometers. 

The launch of the new freight train service provides Hohhot with an excellent opportunity to cooperate with surrounding countries, further strengthening the participation of Inner Mongolia in the development of the global economy.

Containers are loading onto the freight train at Shaliang logistics park in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia autonomous region on Sept 4, 2018. [Photo/Xinhua]

A freight train is ready to depart at Shaliang logistics park in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia autonomous region on Sept 4, 2018. [Photo/Xinhua]