Did you know there’s now a brand-new “fast lane” that can cut delivery time from Southeast Asia to China by more than half? It’s called ASEAN Express, a cross-border freight train service that has just rolled out and is already making waves. Shipments that usually take several weeks by sea can now arrive in less than two.
Not only faster, but also cheaper and greener, this project is changing how goods move across the region. Let’s dive into the fun facts behind this ambitious initiative.
A Train That Connects Four Nations
ASEAN Express is no ordinary train. It connects Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, and China in a single seamless route. Starting in Chongqing, the journey runs through Laos and Thailand before reaching Selangor in Malaysia.
With this line, goods such as electronics and farm produce can reach their destinations in record time, avoiding the long wait at crowded ports.
Thailand’s Dream of Becoming ASEAN’s Logistics Hub
For Thailand, this project is more than just a transport solution. It’s a golden ticket to becoming the logistics hub of ASEAN.
The State Railway of Thailand’s governor, Veeris Ammarapala, emphasized that strong diplomatic cooperation, particularly with Malaysia, is crucial for unlocking the full potential of this network. The long-term vision is clear: to make Thailand the beating heart of regional freight movement.
Passenger Service in the Pipeline
The ASEAN Express story doesn’t end with cargo. Plans are already on the table for cross-border passenger trains.
Imagine hopping on a train in Bangkok and arriving directly in Penang, Malaysia, no hassle, no lengthy transit. Travel across borders could become faster, smoother, and far more convenient.
A Successful First Trial
This isn’t just talk. ASEAN Express has already been tested. The inaugural trip began in Malaysia’s Kelana Jaya freight terminal and reached Chongqing with a load of electronics and agricultural products.
The return trip from China to Malaysia also went smoothly, proving that the system is ready to roll.
Lower Costs for Businesses
Speed is just one part of the story. The ASEAN Express also helps businesses save significantly on logistics costs, cutting expenses by nearly a third compared to road or sea freight.
Malaysian durian growers are already excited. With China recently approving the import of fresh Musang King durians, farmers are preparing to use this new railway to send the fruit north by the end of the year. From spiky treasures to cutting-edge gadgets, all can now travel faster than ever.
The Track Gauge Challenge in Laos
Of course, not everything is perfectly smooth. Malaysia and Thailand use the same one-metre gauge tracks, so containers can move easily as far as the Thai border without switching trains.
Laos, however, uses the standard gauge, which means containers need to be transferred one by one at the Thanaleng Dry Port in Vientiane. This process takes a couple of hours, slowing things down a bit. Still, the system is functioning and doesn’t overshadow the overall efficiency gains.
A Greener Alternative
Beyond speed and cost, the ASEAN Express is also a greener, more sustainable choice. Rail transport produces fewer emissions and uses less energy compared to road or sea.
As ASEAN nations put more emphasis on sustainable trade, this railway is well positioned to be a forward-looking solution that balances growth with environmental responsibility.
Regular Services Already on Track
Malaysia’s national railway operator, KTMB, has already scheduled regular weekly trips between Selangor and Chongqing. Depending on demand, the service could expand to more frequent runs. That means the ASEAN Express isn’t just an experiment, it’s here to stay.
