China marks 20,000th cargo train to Europe via Middle Corridor

China has dispatched its 20,000th freight service to Europe via the Middle Corridor, underscoring the route’s growing role in global trade.

The milestone train, comprising 55 containers, departed from Erenhot Railway Station in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

Traffic along the Middle Corridor has surged in recent years. While the route has been operational since 2013, the 10,000th service was recorded only in 2022. In just three years, that figure has doubled.

The corridor links China to Europe through Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Türkiye, offering a land-based alternative to sea freight that can cut both journey times and distances.

Officials say the route is not only deepening economic ties among countries along its path but also strengthening its position as a key alternative within the global logistics network.

The Middle Corridor, formally known as the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, emerged as a strategic trade link connecting China to Europe via Central Asia and the South Caucasus. It was launched in 2013 as part of broader Eurasian connectivity initiatives, offering a shorter and faster alternative to traditional maritime routes through the Suez Canal.

The corridor spans Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Türkiye before reaching European markets.

Its significance has grown in recent years amid global supply chain disruptions, shipping delays and geopolitical tensions that have complicated northern rail routes through Russia. The Middle Corridor bypasses Russian territory, making it particularly attractive to exporters seeking diversified transport options.

Investments in port infrastructure, rail modernisation and customs harmonisation have bolstered capacity, enabling record growth in freight volumes. The route is now seen as a vital component of the emerging multipolar logistics network linking Asia and Europe.

By Aghakazim Guliyev