Russian Railways (RZD) announced on 9 September that it is currently implementing a major project, the “Reconstruction of the stretch between the railway line Khasan (in the Russian Federation) – Rajin (North Korea)”, which provides for the reconstruction of an existing section of the railway, the construction of a cargo terminal at the port of Rajin, and the subsequent use of the infrastructure for transit transport with access to the Trans-Siberian Railway.

The shortest route between the European Union and Southeast Asia – regions which produce some 70% of global GDP – runs through Russia’s territory. The traditional choice for transporting goods between the two regions was between the sea route or the Trans-Siberian Main Line.

But increased demand for transcontinental transport has led to a corresponding increase in supply, and now there are about two dozen different variations for new corridors that could potentially attract up to 40% of freight traffic from the traditional routes. In this regard, the implementation of international projects acquires particular importance for Far Eastern Railways.

The parties consider the Khasan-Rajin project as the pilot part in the reconstruction of the whole Trans-Korean Main Line. Consultations are currently underway to revive trilateral contacts between Russia, North and South Korea and to create the conditions for realising this ambitious project.

(Source: Russian Railways RZD)