The first block train carrying cargo from China to Iran via Central Asia has been launched, with 55 containers traveling through Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, Interfax Kazakhstan reports, citing the press service of Uzbekistan Railways’ container operator Uztemirjulcontainer.

The containers carry automotive components, consumer goods and other consolidated cargo.

The train will travel through China, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan before entering Iran via the Sarakhs railway crossing.

Kazakhstan is the first transit link after China

The train entered Kazakhstan from China through the Khorgos–Altynkol border crossing, according to inbusiness.kz.

It departed Altynkol station on September 7 and is continuing toward Uzbekistan. It will leave Kazakhstan through the Saryagash–Keles border crossing before being handed over to the Uzbek side.

From Uzbekistan, the train will enter Turkmenistan through the Khojadavlet–Farap crossing and continue toward Sarakhs on the Iranian border.

The Khorgos–Altynkol–Keles–Khojadavlet–Farap–Sarakhs–Tehran route is already used by carriers transporting goods between China and Iran.

More than 6,000 kilometers in 14–16 days

The total route is more than 6,000 kilometers, with delivery expected to take approximately 14–16 days, according to Uztemirjulcontainer.

Rail freight therefore offers a middle ground between more expensive air transport and slower sea shipping. Existing rail services between China and Iran via Central Asia typically take around 14–18 days.

Uzbekistan offers incentives for transit

The China–Iran railway corridor through Central Asia is not entirely new. Cargo has previously been transported through Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan, including routes that bypass Uzbekistan.

The new development is the launch of a dedicated block train running through Uzbek territory.

Uzbekistan is also offering economic incentives to increase transit traffic. From February through the end of 2026, a 0.60 reduction coefficient applies to tariffs for certain international shipments on the Keles–Khojadavlet section, which is used by trains traveling from Kazakhstan through Uzbekistan to Turkmenistan, according to the Russian customs and logistics portal tks.ru.

Regular service could follow

Uztemirjulcontainer considers the inaugural train a practical test of the China–Central Asia–Iran transport corridor.

If the service meets the expected delivery times and proves reliable, regular block trains could be launched, the operator said.

For Kazakhstan, the service could increase container transit from the Chinese border through Altynkol toward Central Asia. Uzbekistan could increase traffic on the Keles–Khojadavlet section, while China and Iran would gain another fully overland freight option that does not depend on sea transportation.