Imagine fresh frozen meat traveling from Shanghai to Chengdu in just 38 hours - this remarkable feat is now reality with the Yangtze River Delta's inaugural cold chain rail service. On July 18, 2023, at 9:45 AM, the first refrigerated freight train loaded with fresh and frozen goods departed from Yangpu Station, marking a major logistics breakthrough for the region.
This innovative cold chain rail service represents a collaborative effort between China Railway Shanghai Group and China Railway Special Cargo Services. The initiative aligns with China's national "road-to-rail" policy promoting green logistics while simultaneously revitalizing the regional rail freight market. The new route significantly reduces both transportation time and costs for perishable goods, offering shippers more efficient alternatives.
The high-speed refrigerated trains can reach 120 km/h (75 mph) and carry up to 40 containers per trip. Compared to conventional freight trains, the new service cuts total transit time by approximately 22 hours, completing the Shanghai-Chengdu journey in under two days. This breakthrough promises to transform perishable goods transportation between China's economically vital Yangtze River Delta and Sichuan-Chongqing regions.
The project leverages strategic partnerships with industry leaders like Jinjiang International Group, fostering integrated cold chain development . During the "Yangtze River Delta Railway Cold Chain Synergy Development Business Conference" on July 18, stakeholders discussed current railway cold chain logistics and signed strategic cooperation agreements to optimize industry resources.
Going forward, the Shanghai-Chengdu cold chain service will operate weekly every Wednesday, with plans to double frequency next year. Starting September, similar routes will expand to connect Shanghai with Beijing, Guangzhou, and other major cities, ultimately forming a nationwide refrigerated rail network. Industry analysts project this system could reduce overall logistics costs by about 20% compared to road transport , while dramatically improving supply chain efficiency for perishable goods.
This pioneering cold chain rail initiative demonstrates how technological innovation and market needs can converge to create sustainable transportation solutions . As fresh frozen products reach consumers faster than ever before, the Yangtze River Delta region positions itself at the forefront of a new era in efficient, environmentally-conscious logistics.
