First block train from China to Iran launched via Central Asia

The first block train carrying cargo from China to Iran via Central Asia has been launched, with 55 containers traveling through Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, Interfax Kazakhstan reports, citing the press service of Uzbekistan Railways’ container operator Uztemirjulcontainer. The containers carry automotive components, consumer goods and other consolidated cargo. The train will travel through China, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan before entering Iran via the Sarakhs railway crossing. Kazakhstan is the first transit link after China The train entered Kazakhstan from China through the Khorgos–Altynkol border crossing, according to inbusiness. kz . It departed Altynkol station on September 7 and is continuing toward Uzbekistan. It will leave Kazakhstan through the Saryagash–Keles border crossing before being handed over to the Uzbek side.

From Uzbekistan, the train will enter Turkmenistan through the Khojadavlet–Farap crossing and continue toward Sarakhs on the Iranian border. The Khorgos–Altynkol–Keles–Khojadavlet–Farap–Sarakhs–Tehran route is already used by carriers transporting goods between China and Iran. More than 6,000 kilometers in 14–16 days The total route is more than 6,000 kilometers , with delivery expected to take approximately 14–16 days , according to Uztemirjulcontainer. Rail freight therefore offers a middle ground between more expensive air transport and slower sea shipping. Existing rail services between China and Iran via Central Asia typically take around 14–18 days. Uzbekistan offers incentives for transit The China–Iran railway corridor through Central Asia is not entirely new. Cargo has previously been transported through Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan, including routes that bypass Uzbekistan. The new development is the launch of…