Construction on the second line of Jinghe-Alataw Pass Section of Lanzhou-Xinjiang Railway started on November 30. As a relatively convenient port passage with a shorter distance to Europe, Alataw Pass, also known as Alashankou Port, plays a pivotal role in opening up to the west. With the gradual expansion of China's economic and trade cooperation with Central Asia and Europe in recent years, China-Europe freight train service has achieved growth year after year, so that the transport capacity of a single railway line is nearly saturated. The second line project of Jinghe-Alataw Pass Section of Lanzhou-Xinjiang Railway is located at the Bortala Mongolian Autonomous Prefecture in northwest Xinjiang. The line starts from Jinghe Station of Lanzhou-Xinjiang Railway, runs through Jinghe County, Bole City and Alashankou City, and ends at Alashankou Station, a national first-class port station. The 70-kilometer line, with a designed speed of 120 km per hour, is expected to be completed in 2024. It is a Class I electrified railroad in China. After the completion of the project, it will further enhance the transport capacity of the New Eurasian Land Bridge, optimize the functions of the western border railway network, and play an important role in further promoting the building of the Belt and Road and improving the quality and efficiency of freight train service between China and Europe.
