Berlin: German state rail operator Deutsche Bahn said on Thursday it planned to significantly ramp up cargo transport to China following a record year, using the world's longest train line in a modern-day revival of the Silk Road route.
More than 40,000 containers were transported between the two countries in 2016, up from 35,000 a year earlier and "the largest volume of goods" moved on the iron link so far, Deutsche Bahn (DB) said in a statement.
"This is a good basis from which to increase the number of containers to about 100,000 by 2020," DB board member Ronald Pofalla said.
The trans-Eurasian rail stretch spans a distance of 10,000 to 12,000 kilometres (6,000-7,000 miles), passing through Poland, Belarus, Russia, Kazakhstan and Mongolia before stopping at several Chinese cities.
The journey takes 12 to 16 days, around half the time it would take for the goods to arrive by sea.
Air travel would be fastest but considerably more expensive.
The freight train service has proved especially popular with clients who require urgent but cost-efficient deliveries such as manufacturers of clothing, electronics and car parts, according to DB.
The Germany-China rail line began operating in 2008. Deutsche Bahn now has some 5,000 employees working in China through its freight subsidiary DB Schenker.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
More than 40,000 containers were transported between the two countries in 2016, up from 35,000 a year earlier and "the largest volume of goods" moved on the iron link so far, Deutsche Bahn (DB) said in a statement.
"This is a good basis from which to increase the number of containers to about 100,000 by 2020," DB board member Ronald Pofalla said.
The journey takes 12 to 16 days, around half the time it would take for the goods to arrive by sea.
Advertisement
The freight train service has proved especially popular with clients who require urgent but cost-efficient deliveries such as manufacturers of clothing, electronics and car parts, according to DB.
Advertisement
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
COMMENTS
Advertisement
US Govt Could Be World’s Largest BTC Reserve Owing to Seizures from Silk Road, Bitfinex Hack Joining China's Belt And Road Was "Atrocious" Decision: Italy Minister Over 50,000 BTC Worth Over $1 Billion Recovered from Silk Road Darknet Debacle Parents Gave Names Of Interns, Doctors To CBI In Kolkata Horror: Sources Video: Woman Tries To Jump Off Mumbai's Atal Setu, Saved By Driver, Cops Private Jets, Luxury Cars: Lavish Life Of "Ketamine Queen" Jasveen Sangha Watch: Turkish MPs Fight During Debate On Jailed Opposition Leader "Shoot Me Up With...": What Matthew Perry Told Assistant Hours Before Death Private Jets, Luxury Cars: Lavish Life Of "Ketamine Queen" Jasveen Sangha Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.