The X8182/1 China-Europe freight train departs from Dongjia Town Station in Jinan on Nov 20, marking the inaugural journey of the first timetable-based China-Europe freight train in Shandong. [Photo/en.sdhsg.com]
The X8182/1 China-Europe freight train departed from Dongjia Town Station in Jinan, East China's Shandong province, at 7pm on Nov 20, marking the inaugural journey of the first timetable-based China-Europe freight train in the province.
Operated by Shandong Hi-Speed Group, the train carries 104 containers filled with goods such as home appliance parts, chemical products, auto parts, and laser engraving machines. The train exits China through Alashankou city in Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, traversing Kazakhstan, Russia, Belarus, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia, before reaching Budapest, Hungary, approximately 12 days later.
A timetable-based China-Europe freight train operates according to pre-agreed schedules, routes, and departure times set by the railways of countries along the route. This synchronization enhances efficiency by reducing operational delays, thereby lowering costs and increasing benefits for import and export businesses.
In recent years, Shandong Hi-Speed Group has been advancing a diversified channel system for China-Europe freight trains, establishing a "2+4+N" dual circulation service network.
The launch of the Jinan-Budapest route facilitates efficient cargo aggregation at China-Europe Railway Express (Jinan-Qingdao) Assembly Center, stable long-distance transport, and versatile distribution at the China-Europe Railway Express Serbia Inđija Assembly Center, enhancing both domestic and international coordination.
Looking ahead, the group plans to further develop Shandong's China-Europe freight train services, creating safer, more stable, and convenient logistics solutions, supporting Shandong's integration into the Belt and Road initiative and contributing to the province's role in the country's high-standard opening-up.
