PKP LHS, an operator of the wide-gauge railroad in Poland, and the rail company Far East Land Bridge (FELB) have jointly dispatched a train from the PKP LHS' terminal in Sławków to Ürümqi.

The shipment started in southcentral Poland and crossed Ukraine, went via the Black Sea to Georgia and then to Azerbaijan, landed in Kazakhstan after passing the Caspian Sea, and finally arrived in far northwest China.

"Together with PKP LHS, we have big plans for the westernmost 1,520 mm-wide railway line. We are proud to open a new route, especially as the Middle Corridor responds to the growing demand for food exports from Europe to China. Italian kiwis or Polish apples, as well as meat or sweets from all over Europe can be delivered to China in less than twenty days," Wilhelm Patzner, CEO, FELB, commented.

Zbigniew Tracichleb, CEO of PKP LHS, added, "This route is shorter than the sea link and much cheaper than air transport. It responds to the needs of freight forwarders and cargo handlers who want to avoid long-distance sea transport, skip queues in Asian ports and efficiently cross the borders of the European Union. This service ensures the delivery of just-in-time cargo."

Photo: Euroterminal Sławków