Beijing, January 5, 2026 – The Europe Today: A 45-container China-Europe freight train carrying photovoltaic modules from the China Energy Engineering Group has departed from Xi’an, marking the first departure via the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, also known as the Middle Corridor, in 2026.
The train, which left Xi’an on January 1, will pass through the Khorgos border crossing into Kazakhstan before reaching Baku via the Caspian Sea. The shipment highlights the growing efficiency and strategic importance of the Trans-Caspian corridor in facilitating China-Europe trade.
The timely delivery of the photovoltaic modules was made possible due to Xi’an’s active role in the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, as well as the coordinated efforts of member partners to reduce transportation costs and improve operational efficiency. Currently, train traffic along the route has intensified, reducing transit time from 15–23 days to approximately 11 days.
The Xi’an Trans-Caspian route was first launched in October 2019. By the end of November 2025, a total of 466 trips had been completed, underscoring the corridor’s growing role in strengthening trade connectivity between China, Central Asia, and Europe.
