Linking Europe and China by rail

Richard Pomfret

Chapter 2 in Connecting Europe and China, 2026, pp 6-25 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: The initial drive for the EU–China rail connection came from Europe, in response to demand from German carmakers. These container train services were initially ad hoc, but regular departures were established in 2011 along what became known as the Eurasian Landbridge, with demand for westward travel from electronics companies shipping their goods to Europe. Both the car and electronics companies were willing to pay extra for faster more reliable delivery than by sea. As more services were offered (part container loads, refrigerated containers, better onward transport at termini), traffic grew rapidly. President Xi announced the Silk Road Economic Belt in 2013, which included the Landbridge and became part of China's Belt and Road Initiative in 2017.

Keywords: Landbridge; Eurasian Railway; Middle Corridor; BRI (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781035361694
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