BEIJING, February 2026 — The 1,035-kilometer China-Laos Railway, operational since December 2021, serves as a critical artery for regional connectivity, significantly bolstering economic and social development across Southeast Asia. Its strategic importance is evident in its role in facilitating trade and people-to-people exchanges between China and Laos, and beyond.
As of February 2, the railway had facilitated 66.12 million passenger journeys and transported 76.8 million tonnes of cargo. This includes 17 million tonnes of cross-border freight, demonstrating its capacity to handle substantial volumes of both passengers and goods, supporting the region's growing demand.
The railway's impact is particularly pronounced during the current winter-spring tourism season, with over 70 daily passenger trains accommodating more than 60,000 trips. International passenger services, launched in April 2023, further enhance cross-border tourism, education, and business exchanges, with over 3,800 categories of goods now transported across borders.
Operated by China Railway Kunming Group Co., Ltd., the network's services extend across 31 Chinese provinces and reach 19 countries and regions, including Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam. This extensive reach highlights the railway's contribution to a more integrated and accessible Asian transport landscape.
Source: Xinhua
China-Laos Railway Strengthens Regional Connectivity and Economic Development
Engineering Business Management
Published on: Feb 8, 2026
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The China-Laos Railway continues to be a pivotal infrastructure project enhancing regional integration. Robust passenger and freight traffic underscore its significant role in supporting economic and social development across Southeast Asia.
