Russia, China reopen rail link after 6 years

MOSCOW

The Russia-China rail link has reopened after a hiatus of six years, and the first passenger train crossed the border in the Trans-Baikal region.

Trans-Baikal region Governor Aleksandr Osipov took part in a ceremony on Sunday, reopening the communications between the two countries, the regional office of the Russian Railways company said in a statement

"Today, March 8, after nearly a six-year break, international train No. 354/353 on the Zabaykalsk – Manzhouli route departed from Zabaykalsk station. The first passengers of the cross-border service were welcomed by the heads of the Trans-Baikal Railway and the Trans-Baikal District," it said.

The train will operate year-round twice a week, departing from the Russian city of Zabaykalsk and Chinese city of Manzhouli on Wednesdays and Sundays.

The international train service was interrupted in February 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.