First Wuhan freight train sets off on new route to Ulyanovsk

A train carrying automotive parts left Wuhan for Ulyanovsk on October 9, opening a new China-Europe freight route. China News Service said the journey was expected to take about 15 days.

The train will travel through Alashankou on China’s border in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. The stated delivery time is a forecast for the journey, rather than a confirmed result from the inaugural service.

The route is intended to supply components to Russia’s automotive industry and support cross-border shipments for foreign trade businesses in Hubei province. China News Service said the service was expected to shorten delivery times and reduce transport costs for automakers operating in overseas markets.

Operator Wuhan-Europe International developed a dedicated logistics plan. Railway and customs authorities, container transport companies and the terminal coordinated the launch, including train scheduling, cargo declarations and loading.

The Wuhan network now comprises 64 cross-border routes. According to the Chinese agency, they connect the city with 125 destinations in 42 countries and regions across Eurasia.

Ulyanovsk region is home to UAZ, a Sollers group manufacturer of off-road vehicles and light commercial vehicles. RBC also recalled a November 2023 report about Sollers’ plans to make steering wheels and airbags in Ulyanovsk with a Chinese partner. That report concerned a separate component localization project, rather than the launch of the present rail route.