CHONGQING recently launched the second trial run for the rail intermodal service connecting itself to Europe via Xinjiang.

    The train carried over 400 sets of automobile parts, laptops and monitors, valued at more than US$30 million and weighing 550 tonnes, Xinhua reports.

    The rail intermodal service is launched for exports of laptops, electrical and mechanical products, and auto parts manufactured in Chongqing. The second trial operation ran from Chongqing, via Shaanxi's Ankang, Xinjiang's Urumqi, Alashankou, Kazakhstan's Kandyagash to Russian capital Moscow. The journey covers 8,120 kilometres with no stopping, estimated to last 11 days.

    The second service was to test the customs clearance efficiency at Russia and Kazakhstan and the adaptability of IT products to cold weather.

    The first runs of the service was launched in October last year, starting from Chongqing to Alashankou border point. The journey covered 3,812 kilometres, lasted 96 hours and 46 minutes.

    The service will have another trial run in March to test the cost and time with final destination in Germany's Duisburg. Estimated running time is 13 day.

(Source:http://www.schednet.com)