The China-Laos railway is the No. 1 project inLaos'8th Five-Year Planand it will bring huge benefits to Laos, said Lattanamany Khounnivong, deputy minister of the Ministry of Public Works and Transport of Laos.
The railway, which is more than 400 kilometers, connects Mohan-Boten border gate in northern Laos and capital Vientiane.
More than 60 percent of the railway consists of bridges and tunnels. The designed speed of the rail line, which has 32 stations, is 160 km per hour.
The railway will promote Laos’ economic development and increase the income of Lao people, said Lattanamany, adding that the rail line will help attract foreign investment and create more job opportunities for Laos.
Construction on the railway started in 2016, and is expected to finish within five years, with a total investment of about 40 billion yuan (US$5.9 billion).
It is the first overseas rail line connecting with China’s railway system, using Chinese technology standards, equipment and investment.
Lattanamany believes the railway will help improve knowledge and experience of Laotian technicians.