A new freight train service has begun operating from Handan international inland port in Hebei province 230 miles from the Port of Tianjin, reports Beijing's China Daily.

At 10.58am on Thursday, a train carrying 3,200 tonnes of soybeans departed, marking the official launch of the port's dedicated railway line. The 8.9-kilometre track connects directly to four major routes: Beijing-Guangzhou, Handan-Huanghuagang, Handan-Changzhi and Handan-Jinan.

The line has an annual capacity of five million tonnes of cargo and 300,000 TEU. It will handle bulk goods, vehicles and containers, cutting logistics costs and reducing environmental impact compared with road transport, according to Kang Qiang, deputy general manager of Handan International Land Port Co.

The port plans to introduce China-Europe railway express services once customs facilities are completed. Mr Kang said the one-stop clearance system will improve convenience for local businesses and strengthen Handan's role in international trade.