VIENTIANE (Laotian Times): The Laos-China Railway (LCR) marked four years of operation on December 3, highlighting its transformative role in turning Laos from a “landlocked” nation into a “land-linked” regional transport hub since its launch in 2021.
The railway, as part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), has transported over 62.5 million passengers and carried more than 72.5 million tons of cargo so far, state media reported.
Railway cargo operations have expanded significantly, growing from 2 to 23 daily routes over the past four years. The network has transported over 60,000 cargo trips, delivering goods to 19 countries and regions, including Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam. More than 3,800 types of goods are now transported along the railway corridor.
Advanced digital cargo stations and streamlined customs procedures have improved efficiency, slashing transit times from 40 hours to just 2 to 5 hours. Transport costs have fallen by 30 to 50 per cent, making the route increasingly competitive for regional trade.
In a milestone for agricultural exports, Laos shipped its first full train load of 1,000 tons of locally produced cassava starch to China via the LCR on 29 November.
International passenger services have also expanded substantially, with train capacity increasing from 250 to 420 seats per trip. Travelling times are now over 15 hours shorter compared to road travel, benefiting tourism, education, and cross-border business activities.
The railway has connected popular destinations including Kunming and Xishuangbanna in China with Luang Prabang and Vientiane in Laos, spurring the development of hotels, restaurants, and markets along the route.
On a similar development on 2 December, Laos and Thailand have just opened a freight train route connecting Thanaleng Dry Port in Vientiane Capital with Thailand’s Nong Khai Station.
Future expansion plans include the Laos-Thailand Railway, which will connect to the LCR through a planned new railway bridge crossing the Mekong River between Vientiane and Nong Khai, set to become the second friendship bridge linking the two cities. -- Laotian Times
