First China–Iran Block Train Passes Through Uzbekistan

The first container block train on the China–Iran route has been dispatched through Uzbekistan, according to a statement from the press service of Uztemiryulkonteyner, a subsidiary of Uzbek Railways.

The 55-wagon consist is loaded with automotive components, consumer goods, and consolidated cargo. The route begins at Chengxiang station in China and runs through Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan to the border station of Sarakhs. The total route distance exceeds 6,000 km.

Kazakh state railway Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (KTZ) received the consist at the Khorgos–Altynkol border crossing. On September 7, the train departed from Altynkol station on its scheduled route. On the next leg, the block train will enter Uzbekistan through Keles station, after which it will head to Turkmenistan through Khojadovlet station. The train is expected to reach its destination within 14–16 days.

Uztemiryulkonteyner intends to establish regular container services along the China–Central Asia–Iran corridor. In June of this year, the company conducted a test shipment from Southeast Asia to Tajikistan.