Trans-Siberian Express

摘要

Such has been the rising demand for the Trans-Siberian Railway (TSR) that many might be wondering if the land-bridge between Asia and Europe is worth another look. During the first six months of 2003, its overall traffic increased by a remarkable 70%, compared with the same period of 2002, up to 123,000TEU. Transit traffic increased by 73%, up to 55,300TEU. Other figures, yet to be confirmed, suggest that the second half will have been even better. While still a drop in the ocean compared with the total trade between Asia and Europe of over 10 million TEU/annum, and well below the TSR's transit cargo peak of more than 200,000TEU in 1985, before the break-up of the Soviet Union, many new routes are now beginning to open up. Electrification of the line was also completed at the end of 2002. But the answer is more complicated than such 'big picture' analysis suggests. When assessing the merits of the TSR, it is worthwhile remembering that the link is more than just one product. As shown in the map, there are many different routes that feed off the main 10,000km line between Vostochny and Moscow, and not all have been prospering to the same extent. Generalisations about its performance can therefore be dangerous.