China has launched it’s first direct freight rail service to London as part of its drive to develop trade and investment ties with Europe. The new weekly journey crosses seven countries before arriving in the UK, is half the price of air freight and quicker than sea taking about two weeks to cover the journey. RT reports: The ‘East Wind Train’ departed from the manufacturing hub of Yiwu in eastern China, and is carrying £4 million ($4.9 million) worth of socks, cloth, bags, and household goods. It is expected to take 18 days to reach its final destination of Barking, East London, having travelled more than 7,500 miles across land and through the Channel Tunnel before arriving in Britain. The new weekly service is quicker than sea transport and half the price of air freight. China Railway already runs rail services to 14 European cities, including Madrid and Hamburg. London will become the 15th European city to join what Beijing has dubbed the ‘New Silk Route.’ The 34-carriage train will pass through Kazakhstan, Russia, Belarus, Poland, Germany, Belgium, and France before crossing the English Channel and arriving in East London. Differing rail gauges in the countries along the route means [...]
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