Chongqing- Transportation capacity on the Chongqing-Guiyang mid-line is set to undergo accelerated expansion, according to an implementation plan to promote high-quality construction of the New International Land-Sea Corridor (ILSTC) in Western China, issued by the National Development and Reform Commission recently.

Construction of the Chongqing East Rail Hub Line, Chongqing Yuzui South Freight Railway Station, and plans for Chongqing-Guiyang high-speed railway is to be coupled with the accelerated expansion of the G75 LanHai (Lanzhou-Haikou) Expressway Chongqing-Nanning section and the G93 YuSui Expressway.

Improvements to the eastern route have a strong relation to Chongqing since accelerated construction of the Chongqing-Qianjiang high-speed railway will have the effect of releasing freight capacity on the existing trunk railway, while the expansion and transformation of stations along the route will be sped up to promote more vital coordination.

Chongqing regularly features in the plan to strengthen trade corridors in terms of internal connection and field of influence. These include northward extension, eastward integration, stronger ties between the core area, sphere of influence, Yangtze River Economic Belt, and key trunk railways such as Lanzhou-Chongqing, Xi’an-Ankang, and Xiangyang-Chongqing, which connect to the east-central corridor.

As an integral part of this endeavor, the construction of the Chongqing Maliuzui Yangtze River Bridge has also been promoted.

Additionally, the construction of the Xi'an-Chongqing railway has also been mentioned as a key project related to developing the trade corridor, which incorporates the aims of internal connection and outward expansion.

Optimized hub functions

The plan details the promotion of improved logistical functions in Chongqing and the construction of an operations center, which will help the region build agglomerations and strengthen the sphere of influence of the trade corridor.

Expansion and transformation of the Tuanjiecun Container Central Station in Chongqing and improvements to facilities along the river, such as Guoyuan Port, are part of a plan for accelerated construction of national logistics hubs based on river and dry ports.

Multimodal transport bases, port inspection infrastructure, and designated customs surveillance areas are also set to be constructed.

At the same time, the completion of logistical systems, an optimized layout for domestic and overseas container service nodes, and a shared container allocation system will enhance the level of agglomeration and allocation capabilities. The construction of a new airport in Chongqing is part of the planning and field research currently underway.

In terms of key logistics and support facilities, construction of the Guoyuan Port Logistics Park, Chongqing International Logistics Hub Park, and Jiangjin Luohuang Port Logistics Park have been mentioned in the plan, as well as the promotion of upgrades in the ASEAN International Logistics Park, Xiushan Logistics Park and railway freight yards in Wanzhou, Fuling, and Changshou.

Improved logistical models and efficiency

Proposals include optimizing the standard of operations and bringing innovation to the logistical model. To improve overall efficiency, Chongqing needs to improve the level of service offered to combined rail-sea transport, international cargo liners, and cross-border trains.

These include the stable operation of international trains from Chongqing, Sichuan, and other provinces to Vietnam and making full use of the new China-Laos railway.

Transportation and organization in cross-border truck services from Chongqing and Sichuan to ASEAN is to be optimized, which will allow for greater exploration in direct cross-border road transportation and trials for international drop-and-pull business models.

Increased frequency in multi-modal trains from Chongqing to the Beibu Gulf has been mentioned in the Plan. It will guide the supply of goods from Changshou, Wanzhou, Fuling, and other locations through Chengdu and Chongqing for assembly and distribution. The operations of multi-modal trains from western regions to the Beibu Gulf will be expanded in scope.

Direct trains from Lanzhou and Xi'an to ports on the Beibu Gulf have been steadily opened, while transit trains from Zhongwei, Xining, and other cities via Chongqing have entered into service.

The expansion will be carried out for special intermodal trains moving commodity vehicles and agricultural products. At the same time, transportation services such as cold chains, tank containers, and open-top containers will be developed. For example, a multimodal train from Chongqing, Sichuan, and other locations to Zhanjiang is to be opened in due course.

In terms of promoting cost reduction and optimizing services, the Plan also mentions the opening of Chongqing Tuanjiecun Railway Port and Wanzhou Airport as part of the action plan for port capacity enhancement.