Ningbo company introduces fast China-Europe rail service

The "Ili" China-Europe freight train departs from Yining Railway Freight Station. [Photo/Ningbo Daily]

Ningbo plays a key role in the launch of the "Ili" China-Europe freight train, which departed from Yining, Ili Kazakh autonomous prefecture, Xinjiang, on Dec 15, heading to Almaty, Kazakhstan.

The train is operated by Ningbo Rail-Water Intermodal Supply Chain Co, which organized the logistics and supply chain operations.

"We chose Yining as the starting point after carefully evaluating regional economic structures and logistics efficiency," said Wang Sijun, chairman of the company. Yining's strategic location on the Silk Road Economic Belt makes it a vital gateway for China's westward trade, with strong production of specialty agricultural and resource-based products.

The "Ili" train offers a faster and more cost-effective alternative to traditional routes, which often involve multiple transshipments. Its innovative model combines professional, international, rail-sea, and smart logistics, featuring five priority services: priority loading, booking, customs clearance, transfer, and competitive pricing. The inaugural train will reach Almaty in just three days. Return trips will carry Central Asian goods and raw materials back to the Yangtze River Delta and Pearl River Delta regions, with customs clearance in Yining eliminating the need for container switching.

Wang added that the company plans weekly or biweekly services and aims to develop the "Ili" train into a high-efficiency, high-quality freight corridor. Once regular operations are established, it will help local products like apples, honey, grains, textiles, and construction materials reach global markets faster, while facilitating exports from eastern China to Central Asia and Europe.