China Opens New Rail Freight Route to Turkmenistan
China launched a new container rail freight route linking the city of Xining in Qinghai Province with Turkmenistan’s Balkan welaýat.
The first freight train departed on June 28. The route passes through Kazakhstan, expanding rail connectivity between China and Central Asia.
The new railway corridor stretches for approximately 5,420 kilometres, with cargo expected to reach its destination in 14 to 15 days.
The inaugural train consists of 55 containers. It departs from Qinghai Province, travels through Gansu and Xinjiang, crosses the China–Kazakhstan border via the Khorgos dry port, continues across Kazakhstan, and arrives at the Agara railway station in Turkmenistan’s Balkan welaýat.
According to Chinese officials, the new rail service is expected to strengthen logistics links between western China and the countries of Central Asia while providing a more efficient overland transport option.
The Xining–Balkan welaýat route is the latest addition to the growing network of rail freight services connecting China with Central Asia, expanding transport and trade opportunities across the region.
Popular
Uzbekistan to Chair the CIS as Mirziyoyev Proposes Joint Centre to Combat Cybercrime
Uzbekistan will assume the chairmanship of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) on January 1, 2027.
CIS Leaders to Meet in Turkmenistan: What Will Presidents Discuss in Avaza?
On October 9, the CIS Council of Heads of State will meet in Turkmenistan’s Avaza National Tourist Zone.
Kazakhstan Holds First Elections for the New Qurultai
On August 23, 2026, Kazakhstan held its first elections for the Qurultai, the country’s new unicameral legislative body.