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Belgium-China rail connection opens

By Gao Qihui (chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2011-05-10 13:45

A new rail connection for cargo between Antwerp in Belgium and Southwest China’s Chongqing was presented May 9 (local time) in Antwerp.

The first train on this rail was launched on the night of May 9, from the Antwerp port to Chongqing, signaling the official opening of the rail line.

The launch of the railway between Chongqing – the biggest transportation hub in western China-- and Antwerp – the second-largest port in Europe with cargo reaching 178 million tons-- opens another link connecting Asia and Europe.

Compared with the 36 days consumed on the maritime line between the ports in eastern China and western Europe, it takes only 20 to 25 days from Chongqing to Antwerp by railroad, and it will be shortened to 15 to 20 days in the future.

The10,000-kilometer rail connection runs from Antwerp over Germany and Poland to Ukraine, and Russia.