The first fixed-schedule freight train service connecting Beijing to Central Asia departed on Friday from the Chinese capital to Almaty, Kazakhstan, marking a significant step in strengthening trade and logistics between the regions.

Compared with traditional freight trains, fixed-schedule trains follow set timetables and routes, significantly improving efficiency and reliability.

The train, numbered X9305, left Beijing's Liangxiang Railway Station at 05:20. It will exit China via the Alashankou Port in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region before continuing on to Almaty. The total journey is expected to take about 10 days.

This is the first time Beijing has launched such a freight train service to Central Asia. The new fixed-schedule service is expected to provide a stable and efficient logistics channel for economic and trade exchanges between Beijing and Central Asian countries by ensuring timely cross-border delivery and reducing logistics costs for enterprises.

"A fixed-schedule train operates on a set time, a set route, and with a set train number, offering significantly higher transport efficiency and stability. This will make it easier for companies to plan their production schedules and fulfill overseas orders," said Lyu Bin, a manager at the Beijing Railway Logistics Center.

The service is jointly developed by China Railway Beijing Group and Beijing International Land Port. It will operate on a regular basis at a frequency of one train per week. To ensure smooth operations, the Beijing Railway Logistics Center will provide a "green channel" for the train and implement special priority measures to guarantee its efficient passage.