A huge freight train which left Eastern China two weeks ago carrying bags, clothes and other household goods is about to arrive – in Barking.
The train, which has covered 12,000 miles and is faster than a ship, will be greeted by crowds and local dignitaries when it pulls into Barking Rail Freight Terminal this afternoon.
The station is located near Ripple Road and is on the train line which runs from St Panrcas, through Stratford and on to the Channel Tunnel.
The train has been through lots of countries including Russia, Belarus and France. The route is described as the “New Silk Route” in reference to the Silk Road, an ancient commercial network linking west and east.
Eileen Keller, the Mayor of Barking and Dagenham, was positive about the arrival.
“I think it’s wonderful for the borough,” she told the Barking and Dagenham Post.Mayor Eileen Keller of #Barking & #Dagenham awaits the freight train from #China - "I think it's wonderful for the borough" @lbbdcouncil pic.twitter.com/oFfhkUBg5y
— The Barking and Dagenham Post (@BDPost) January 18, 2017