In the northeast of China, three 120-year old rail tunnels are due for replacement. The Chinese are currently working on such a replacement, which is supposed to be completed by May of this year. The aim is to improve the connectivity of an important China – Europe traffic rail hub.
The tunnel will link Suifenhe and the Russian border. Suifenhe is an import port for China – Europe rail freight traffic, write Chinese media. The hub handles approximately 900 trains for European trade annually, equivalent to 88,000 TEU.
Suifenhe is located just north of North Korea, on the border with the Far East of Russia. Considering the hub’s location, it is possible that the numbers for European traffic include trade with Russia.
Once operational, the new 602-metre tunnel will put the three old tunnels out of service, after serving rail for over a century.