• Journal of Navigation and Port Research
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• v.41 no.3
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• pp.155-164
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• 2017

While many countries are implementing various policies regarding the logistics network in Eurasia, China has presented "the Belt and Road" Initiative, a development strategy that focuses on connectivity and close cooperation between China and Eurasia. With more than 60 countries participating in the project, China is expected to have a major influence on logistical infrastructure development in Eurasia. This study analyzed the railway stations network using social network analysis (SNA) methodology. We collected data from major railway lines in Eurasia (TAR, TEN-T, TRACECA, GMS) and established a network of 994 railway stations in 65 countries. This study presented the general characteristics of major railway stations from the perspective of SNA and compared the Chinese network with Eurasian networks. To review the railway networks in China and Eurasia, the top 30 stations were selected based on degree centrality and betweenness centrality. Top "degree centrality" stations included Bangkok (Thailand), Tbilisi (Georgia), Baku (Azerbaijan), Kunming (China), and Bucharest (Romania). Top "betweenness centrality" stations were Baku and Alyat (Azerbaijan), Baoji and Turpan (China), Qarshi (Uzbekistan), and Kas (Turkey). In China, Kunming, Nanning, and Gejiu stations have higher degree centrality while betweenness centrality was higher in Baoji, Kunming, and Lanzhou stations. "The Belt and Road" project advocated by China envisions expansion of transportation infrastructure connections throughout Eurasia, but more emphasis is likely to be placed on connectivity that benefits China. In this regard, studies on key bases of international logistics need to consider relative significance within the Chinese network.