China launched a pilot program Jan. 15 for dedicated high-speed rail cargo trains, which have started running daily between Chongqing in the southwest and the city of Zhengzhou, in Henan province, China Daily announced Feb. 1.
China seeks to capitalize on the Zhengzhou-Chongqing High-Speed Railway which has been operating since 2022, but thus far, only carried high-speed passenger trains. According to China Railway Express, which is the operator of the trains, the DJ5811 from Zhengzhou to Chongqing and the DJ5812 coming the other way, can carry up to 15 metric tons on each trip. With each 1,028 km trip taking less than five hours, that is an average speed of 206 km/hour. The trains are as fast as air transportation and one day faster than by road, according to the operator. The cargo will include fresh food, biopharmaceuticals, business correspondence, and electronic products.
