A cross-year freight train from Yiwu, Zhejiang, arrived in Shigatse, Xizang autonomous region, on Jan 3, marking the completion of all 12 Shigatse-South Asia freight services operated in 2025. The annual cargo value exceeded 230 million yuan ($32.94 million), highlighting Xizang's growing role in regional logistics.

The latest train, which departed on Dec 25, 2025, carried daily goods, fabric rolls, and furniture worth more than 6 million yuan.

As an international multimodal service, the Shigatse-South Asia route integrates rail and road transport and follows a streamlined model of "external cargo collection — inspection in Shigatse — exit via border ports". This approach has increased transport efficiency by over 30 percent and reduced logistics costs by about 20 percent compared with traditional road transport.

Since the inaugural service in August 2024, the train's scale and service capacity have steadily expanded, strengthening economic ties between Xizang and South Asian markets and supporting the region's deeper participation in the Belt and Road Initiative.

Export categories have also shifted from basic consumer goods to higher‑value, environmentally friendly products, with new energy vehicles emerging as a key export.

Looking ahead, the service will maintain regular operations in 2026 and expand its cargo collection points, with transport volume expected to grow by more than 10 percent year‑on‑year.