An initial test run of an upcoming freight train service linking Yunnan, China, with Selangor, Malaysia, commenced this morning, according to The Straits Times. It originates from Kunming which is the capital city of Yunnan The route runs through Thailand as well as Laos before entering Malaysia via Padang Besar in Perlis, ending with Petaling Jaya, Selangor. The Deputy Prime Secretary Datuk Seri Zahid Hamidi highlighted the fact that this rail line operating in about 10 days, provides an alternative that is faster than traditional sea routes that generally last longer than 20 days in order to move products between two regions.

A part of the larger Belt and Road Initiative, the project is planned for facilitating access to new markets while also improving the connectivity of regional areas. Zahid highlighted the possibilities for increased cooperation in rail transportation as well as future high-speed rail projects with China as well as Malaysia. China State Railway Group Corp (China Railway) has been chosen as the company’s operator. This presents the possibility the Malaysian Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) to build relations to China Railway. KTM is operating for the Asean Express, a weekly cargo route connecting Selangor to Chongqing, China, via Thailand and Laos in June 2024.

Source: malaymail.com