China launches first broad gauge freight train to Mongolia

Photo provided by China Railway Hohhot Group Co., Ltd. shows the first China-Mongolia broad gauge freight train departing Erenhot, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region on May 25, 2022.

A 1,520mm gauge freight train loaded with 54 containers of production and living materials departed Erenhot, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region for Ulan Bator, Mongolia on Wednesday, marking the launch of the first broad gauge freight train between China and Mongolia.

China and Mongolia use different rail gauges. China uses the 1,435mm standard gauge, while Mongolia uses the 1,520mm broad gauge. The difference forces international freight trains to make a stop at border ports to move cargo to trains meeting the gauge standard of the host country before heading for destination, according to China Railway Hohhot Group Co., Ltd.

The first China-Mongolia broad gauge train can run directly to Ulan Bator without the need to transfer cargo at the port of Mongolia, thus cutting transport time by 30 percent.

The launch of the train also provides a transport alternative for exporting goods via the Erenhot port.