China’s National Development and Reform Commission has announced that the work resumption rate of the China-Europe Railway Express (CR Express) has reached over 90%, with an against-the-trend growth of freight service since the beginning of this year.
Corresponding policies and measures will be further promulgated to promote the safe, stable and efficient operation of CR Express, according to the announcement.
By the end of February, the CR Express freight service had been running 1,132 trains, up 6% year-on-year, with a high rate of loaded containers and balanced departure and return trips. At Changsha International Railway Port, the intelligent production line equipment has been packed and ready to be sent to the China-Belarus Industrial Park in Minsk.
The commission said that during the COVID-19 outbreak, CR Express trains ran normally not only in Changsha, but also in Chengdu, Chongqing, Xi’an and other cities. The commission adds that with the east, middle and west corridors, 35 major route lines, the CR Express freight service remainedin normal operation at the four ports of Khorgos, Alataw Pass, Manchuria and Erenhot, as no congestion had been seen as a result of the viral outbreak.
The National Development and Reform Commission said that in the next step, with the joint work of relevant departments,will be for CR Express transportation capacity to be increased. The link of roads and railways will be promoted to accelerate the timely resumption of trans-provincial transport.
The commission added that cargo sources assembly will be supported in better-functioning hubs. In addition, it will look to expand the CR Express even further, simplifying procedures for transport and customs clearance and improving logistics connectivtiy.
