Construction officially kicks off for the Gashuunsukhait–Gantsmod cross-border railway

On June 15, construction officially commenced on the highly anticipated Gashuunsukhait–Gantsmod cross-border railway linking Mongolia with China. This strategic 32.6-km railway, designed with dual gauges (1520 mm broad gauge and 1435 mm standard gauge), will boast an impressive annual freight capacity of 40 million tons. The infrastructure includes bridges reaching heights of 8–31 meters, comprehensive border control facilities, and advanced technological structures.

This transformative project aims to nearly double Mongolia’s coal exports from 83 million tons to 165 million tons annually, adding around USD 1.5 billion in export revenue each year, and significantly contributing to Mongolia’s per capita GDP growth by approximately USD 1,000. It will substantially reduce transportation costs by 2–2.5 times. Furthermore, this major initiative will create around 200 permanent and 800 temporary employment opportunities. It will simultaneously connect crucial border checkpoints—such as Shiveekhuren–Sekhee, Bichigt–Zuunhatavch, and Khangi–Mandal—into a comprehensive railway network which will greatly enhance regional infrastructure.