China-Russia Connectivity: Russian Transport Minister Talks About New Railway to China
Russian Transport Minister Andrei Nikitin said in an interview with Sputnik News Agency that Russia and China are implementing a project to build a new railway passing through Zabaykalsk, connecting the two countries, which will double freight capacity on this section of the rail line.
When asked about plans to construct a new railway with China, Nikitin stated: "One of the projects we hope to implement soon is the Zabaykalsk railway crossing point. We will build a second mainline there. This will double freight volume. The Chinese railway line will also connect with our tracks at this location, and we will carry out some work on the Chinese side as well. It’s a very convenient cooperation model."
He revealed that draft documents have already been provisionally signed with China's Minister of Transport. He pointed out that he hopes these documents will be formally signed after all procedures are completed.
The minister explained further: "To be more specific, it involves building a second mainline with a 1,435 mm gauge on the cross-border segment between Zabaykalsk and Manzhouli. This is the largest transit point bordering China. By 2030, 11 million tons of cargo will be transported through the Zabaykalsk crossing point annually. The total throughput will reach 39 million tons per year—equivalent to nearly 49 train pairs per day."
He added that overall, rail connections between Russia and China are quite strong.
The minister continued: "Our cooperation with Mongolia is crucial here, since most of Mongolia’s railway lines directly link to China. We will hold a separate meeting with Mongolia’s Minister of Transport. For us, coordinating Ulan Bator’s railway development plan and our own border crossing infrastructure plans is essential."
The first International Transportation and Logistics Forum will be held in St. Petersburg from April 1 to 3, 2026.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1861155939932355/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author personally.