Laos-China railway bed in place, over 20 percent track laid

Construction of the route and foundations for the Laos-China Railway has been achieved, and the laying of the tracks is over 20 percent complete, according to a leading official with the megaproject.
Director General of the Laos-China Railway Co. Ltd, Xiao Qianwen updated Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith on the progress of the 414.3 km-project during a visit to inspect construction in Xay village, Xaythany district, Vientiane last week on Thursday.
From Vientiane to the Laos-China border in Luang Namtha province, “the running of the track foundation is 100 percent finished,” he said, adding that placement of the steel tracks was 21.4 percent completed.
Currently, 71 out of the 75 tunnels have been drilled, and 88 percent of railway bridge construction has been completed. The installation of high voltage electricity poles is 57.4 percent complete.
However, some stations have not yet started construction due to the severe impact of the COVID-19 outbreak, and several areas are still in the process of mediation with landholders.
According to a member at the National Assembly (NA)’s 8th legislature last month, there was still a steady stream of public comment regarding unsettled compensation in Oudomxay and Vientiane provinces.
Therefore, the NA recommended that relevant committees of both provinces continue working with those affected to come to a satisfactory resolution.
During PM Thongloun’s visit, he also emphasised that the company and related sectors mediate with the people living near the train stations in Vientiane and Thanalaeng 12.7 km along the track to resolve problems.
The implementation of the Laos-China railway construction must be done in accordance with the signed agreement between the governments of Laos and China.
The investment project between both governments will see passenger trains running at 160km per hour from Vientiane to the Boten-Mohan border through the four provinces of Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Oudomxay and Luang Namtha.
The 414.3-km railway will feature 198 km of tunnels and 62 km of bridges, and when operational, the journey from Vientiane to the Boten border crossing in Luang Namtha province will be reduced from the present two days by road to less than three hours by train.
The railway is scheduled for completion at the end of 2021.

By Khonesavanh Latsaphao
(Latest Update August 3, 2020)