The ASEAN Express is a freight rail route linking Kelana Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia with Chongqing in Southwestern China, operated by Malaysian railway company Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM).[1] It passes through Thailand and Laos before arriving in Chongqing.[2] The inaugural train left the Kontena Nasional Inland Clearance Depot on June 27, 2024, and arrived in Chongqing on July 11.[3][4][5]

Route

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  • Malaysia
    • Kontena Nasional Inland Clearance Depot
  • Thailand
    • Latkrabang Inland Port
  • Laos
    • Thanaleng Dry Port
  • China
    • Chongqing

Operators

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The ASEAN Express is operated by KMTB, which plans to run two services per week between Kelana Jaya and Chongqing, eventually launching daily services.[1]

Customers and Usage

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The inaugural train transported a cargo of agricultural products and electrical appliances.[1] Malaysian farmers expect to export fresh Durian to China via this route later in 2024.[3]

References

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  1. ^ a b c "New cargo rail service that connects Malaysia, Thailand, Laos and China kicks off". CNA. Retrieved 2024-07-23.
  2. ^ "Thailand's new rail links carry hope for expanded Chinese trade". Nikkei Asia. Retrieved 2024-07-23.
  3. ^ a b "Durians on a fast train to China". The Star. Retrieved 2024-07-23.
  4. ^ "Asean Express completes first Malaysia-China rail cargo trip". The Star. Retrieved 2024-07-23.
  5. ^ "Ambassador attended the KTMB's ASEAN Express international train freight service flag off ceremony". สถานเอกอัครราชทูต ณ กรุงกัวลาลัมเปอร์. Retrieved 2024-07-23.