According to the report from Urumqi, during the first quarter of 2026, the Western Corridor of the China-Europe Railway Express maintained efficient operations. A total of 4,743 China-Europe and China-Central Asia freight trains passed through the corridor, while import and export cargo volume reached 9.166 million tonnes. The figures increased by 13.5% and 9.3% year on year respectively, injecting strong momentum into the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative.
As a key hub connecting Asia and Europe, the efficient operation of the Western Corridor of the China-Europe Railway Express relies heavily on the support of two major border railway ports: Alashankou and Khorgos. During the first quarter, both ports achieved strong performance through coordinated operations. Alashankou Railway Port handled 2,193 China-Europe and China-Central Asia freight trains, an increase of 21.8% year on year, with import and export cargo volume reaching 5.127 million tonnes, up 12.4%. Khorgos Railway Port handled 2,550 trains, up 7.2%, with cargo volume reaching 4.039 million tonnes, an increase of 5.7%. The efficiency of cross-border railway logistics continues to improve, ensuring stable and smooth international freight transportation.
Targeted measures have further strengthened transport capacity and operational efficiency. China Railway Urumqi Group has focused on improving corridor connectivity, transportation efficiency and logistics services. By leveraging infrastructure upgrades, including the expansion of the Jinghe–Alashankou section of the Lanzhou-Xinjiang Railway, the company continues to enhance port facilities, increase railway capacity and unlock greater potential for international freight transport.
To optimize the entire transportation process and improve customs clearance efficiency, Alashankou and Khorgos railway ports have implemented precise operational coordination, optimized handling procedures, and improved the allocation of personnel and equipment. By closely cooperating with customs authorities and freight forwarding companies, the ports have accelerated customs declaration, inspection and clearance procedures, further reducing transit time and improving cross-border transport efficiency for China-Europe Railway Express services.
Since the beginning of 2026, the efficient operation of the Western Corridor of the China-Europe Railway Express has played an important role in strengthening domestic and international supply chains. China Railway Urumqi Group continues to expand logistics networks and improve service capabilities, helping the corridor achieve faster and more efficient international freight connections. Currently, the Western Corridor operates routes reaching 21 overseas countries and transports more than 200 categories of goods.
