In a significant development for regional infrastructure, Mongolia and China have reached an agreement to construct the Gashuunsukhait-Gantsmod cross-border railway, connecting their rail networks at the Gashuun Sukhait border crossing. The announcement was made on February 14, following a visit by Mongolian Prime Minister Luvsannamsrai Oyun-Erdene to Harbin, China. This long-awaited deal comes after 17 years of discussions.
The new railway line will bridge the gap between the Mongolian and Chinese rail systems. The project will integrate Mongolia’s 1,520 mm gauge heavy haul line from the Tavan Tolgoi coal deposits with China’s 1,435 mm gauge track, which currently ends at the inland port at the border. The dual-gauge system will provide seamless transport for both coal exports and broader trade.
Construction is scheduled to begin in April 2025, with completion expected by 2028. This strategic link is poised to strengthen economic ties and streamline the movement of goods, particularly in Mongolia’s vast mining sector, which has long relied on exports to China.
The railway’s completion will significantly enhance trade efficiency, providing Mongolia with improved access to Chinese ports and enhancing its role in the regional economy. The new link is particularly important as it supports Mongolia’s key resource exports, including coal, which are vital to its economic growth.
Key Points:
- Project Name: Gashuunsukhait-Gantsmod Cross-Border Railway.
- Agreement Date: February 14, 2025.
- Construction Start: April 2025.
- Completion Target: 2028.
- Track Specifications: Dual-gauge to connect Mongolian and Chinese rail networks.
- Purpose: To facilitate smoother trade, especially coal exports, and enhance regional economic connectivity.
This agreement marks a major step forward in strengthening bilateral trade and transport links between the two nations.
Train tracks Image by Alexander Droeger from Pixabay.
