A freight train, loaded with used vehicles, auto parts and other goods, recently departed from Qingdao Port of Shandong Port Group (SPG), bound for Kashgar, marking the launch of the first road-rail combined train service linking Qingdao and Kashgar. 

The freight train service was jointly launched by Jinan Railway Logistics Center Qingdao Business Office, Qingdao Dagang customs, China Railway Container Transport Jinan Branch and Qingdao Port. This collaborative launch represents a significant stride in Qingdao Port's endeavors to help advance the development of international logistics corridors.

A cargo train sets off from Qingdao Port, destined for Kashgar. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The freight train service adopts an intermodal transport mode combining sea, rail and road transportation. Following customs clearance in Kashgar, it exits China via border ports such as Irkeshtam and Khunjerab, extending its reach to five Central Asian countries including Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, with onward connections to Turkey and Europe. This pioneering train service is expected to improve transportation efficiency by 65 percent for shipments from Qingdao to Osh in Kyrgyzstan, providing robust support for regional economic and trade exchanges.

Moving forward, Qingdao Port will continuously strengthen cooperation with pertinent stakeholders, optimize transportation coordination, give full play to its role as a hub, and build an efficient and stable rail-road combined transportation corridor. The aim is to contribute to the development of an intermodal transportation corridor for the Belt and Road Initiative, with the port serving as a hub.