China opens cargo train service from central city to Russia

BEIJING: China today launched a nearly 10,000 kilometre-long freight-train service, connecting its central Hubei Province with the Russian capital Moscow.

The first train left Hubei's capital Wuhan today. The train with 41 cars is carrying machinery and electronic products, which are mainly manufactured in Wuhan.

It will take 12 days to make the 9,779-kilometre trip, state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

On its return journey, it will carry timber, according to Wu Guangming, general manager of Wuhan Asia-Europe Logistic Co Ltd.

Wuhan began regular cargo services to Europe via northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in April, 2014.

Several Chinese cities, including Chongqing, Chengdu, Changsha, Hefei, Yiwu, Suzhou and Harbin, have launched similar freight train services to Europe so far.