Despite the high tensions between Ukraine and Russia, the Silk Road trains continue to roll between China and Europe, Russia and Ukraine. The creation of a new joint venture among Hungarian, Austrian and Russian companies aimed at developing that corridor even further makes it even clearer. Established on Dec. 14 at a signing ceremony in Budapest, the partnership involves Russian Railways Holding, CER Cargo Holding (Hungary) and Rail Cargo Group (Austria), reported RailFreight.com. (https://www.railfreight.com/beltandroad/2021/12/16/29687/)
The route will terminate at Hungary’s West Gate Terminal which is currently being reconstructed as a major hub where the cargoes can be transferred to other trains servicing the Balkans, Eastern, Central and Western Europe. The reconstruction of the terminal is to be complete by spring of 2022, and will serve to relieve mounting pressure on other European hubs which are said to be reaching their full capacity. It will also help relieve pressure on the northerly route that passes through Belarus and into Poland. The Russian Transport Ministry has given strong political support for the project, with the involvement of Russian Railways, which is a state company.
