A pilot container train operated by Russian Railways covered the 9,244 km on the Trans-Siberian route between Vladivostok and Bekasovo station near Moscow in less than 7 days, taking just 6 days 20 hours and 35 minutes. The normal transit time for fast container trains on this route is 12 days.

A feature of the pilot train is guaranteed travel without breakdowns, thus dispensing with the usual regular technical inspection checks necessary over such a large distance but which reduce trvel time.

The rolling stock was made ready at Technical Inspection Point at Nakhodka East. After arriving at the platform in Nahodka for loading, it proceeded to the Vladivostok Sea Trading Port, and following the technical inspection check (21 February) left for Moscow, arriving at its destination in the evening of February 28.

The pilot train included an experimental wagon laboratory to test the train’s brakes. The data collected will help decide whether to introduce regular services on the route.

－Steven