Record-Breaking China–Europe Railway Express Operations At SCO Demonstration Zone in 2024

On August 28, the X37482 China–Europe Railway Express departed from the SCO Demonstration Zone Multimodal Transport Center in Qingdao, Shandong, heading for Nizhnekamsk, Russia. This train marked the 453rd China–Europe freight train dispatched from the center this year, setting a new record for the same period.

Growing Demand Drives Expansion of International Rail Freight Corridors

Since the beginning of 2024, China's foreign trade has maintained a steady growth trend, with cross-border rail logistics demand continuing to rise. As a key inland–coastal connection hub linking Shandong seaports with Eurasian rail corridors, the SCO Demonstration Zone Multimodal Transport Center has achieved breakthroughs in both railway route expansion and cargo transportation capacity.

So far this year, the center has handled over 47,000 TEUs, representing a year-on-year increase of 32.1%, the highest level recorded for the same period. The efficient operation of international freight trains relies heavily on stable railway track systems, durable rail fasteners, elastic rail clips, and reliable railway track fittings, which ensure long-term safety and high-load performance along international rail corridors.

Continuous Network Expansion Enhances Eurasian Rail Connectivity

Since the launch of the SCO Demonstration Zone in June 2018, a total of 4,966 China–Europe freight trains have been dispatched or received, transporting more than 504,000 TEUs. At present, the multimodal transport center operates 31 international rail freight routes, with 6 to 10 trains running daily and a maximum daily handling capacity of 2,000 TEUs.

These routes directly connect with over 20 cities in SCO member states and reach 54 cities across 23 SCO and Belt and Road countries, forming a highly efficient Eurasian rail logistics network. The smooth operation of such high-frequency freight services places higher requirements on railway infrastructure components, including rail fastening systems, base plates, rail clips, sleepers, and track maintenance solutions, especially under heavy-haul and high-utilization conditions.

Supporting Global Supply Chains Through Reliable Railway Infrastructure

By continuously improving international rail transport efficiency, the SCO Demonstration Zone plays a vital role in stabilizing global industrial and supply chains, facilitating cross-border trade, and promoting regional economic cooperation. Behind the rapid growth of China–Europe Railway Express services is the solid support of modern railway engineering technology and high-quality railway track components, ensuring safety, durability, and long-term operational reliability.