A new transnational logistics artery has begun pulsating where the Yangtze River meets the ancient caravan routes of Central Asia. COSCO Shipping recently announced the successful arrival of the inaugural "East China-Wuhan-Andijan" Central Asia freight train in Uzbekistan's Andijan region, marking the official opening of this cross-border transport corridor connecting China's industrial heartland with Central Asia's resource-rich hinterlands.
The breakthrough route leverages the strategic advantages of COSCO Shipping Ports' Wuhan terminal, creating an integrated logistics chain that seamlessly connects Yangtze River shipping with international rail transport.
Multimodal Transport Innovation
The complete journey involves carefully synchronized operations: cargo loading in Shanghai, domestic waterway transport to Wuhan, then transfer to the Central Asia-bound rail service terminating in Andijan. This multimodal solution demonstrates remarkable efficiency in cross-regional coordination between multiple stakeholders.
Prior to launch, project teams conducted extensive market research to develop customized intermodal solutions. For steel products—bulky commodities that dominate this route—specialized loading methods were implemented to maximize transport efficiency. The operation also required careful coordination of domestic shipping capacity and pricing structures to maintain cost competitiveness.
Seamless Port Operations
At Wuhan's logistics hub, close collaboration between COSCO Shipping, customs authorities, and terminal operators ensured minimal cargo dwell time through optimized transfer procedures between water and rail transport nodes.
Since the June 2025 inauguration of the Wuhan Eurasia Rail-Water Intermodal Hub—which established two-way connectivity—the facility's importance as an inland logistics nexus has grown substantially. This new East China-Andijan route represents a strategic expansion of regular intermodal services that enhances China's inland connectivity with Central Asian markets.
The corridor's establishment promises to invigorate economic activity across Central Asia while providing Chinese manufacturers with more reliable access to emerging markets. As trade volumes grow, this modern incarnation of the Silk Road may reshape regional supply chain dynamics for years to come.