China's Chongqing Launches Fixed-Schedule Freight Train Service to Budapest

The municipality of Chongqing in southwest China launched a new fixed-schedule freight train service (also known as the China Railway Express train) destined for Budapest, Hungary, on Sunday, bolstering commercial links between China and Central and Eastern Europe.

1. Details and Route of the New Line

• Departure Point: Chongqing Municipality, China.

• Destination: Budapest, Hungary (a major transportation hub serving Central and Eastern Europe).

• Estimated Travel Time: Approximately 11 days.

• Route: The train exits China via the Alataw Pass in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, traveling through countries including Kazakhstan, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia, before reaching Hungary.

• Cargo: The train carries auto and motorcycle parts, electronic products, and other consumer goods.

2. Significance and Advantage of the New Service

• Second Fixed Line: This is the second fixed-schedule China-Europe freight train service to originate from Chongqing, following the line connecting the municipality with Duisburg, Germany.

• Fixed Schedule Advantage: Fixed-schedule trains adhere to specific timetables and routes, significantly improving efficiency and reliability compared to traditional freight trains.

• Time Reduction: The China Railway Chengdu Group stated that the Chongqing-Budapest line will reduce travel time by approximately 30 percent.