BEIJING, September 2025 — The China-Laos Railway, a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative, has achieved a significant milestone, carrying over 59 million passenger trips since its inception. This development underscores the transformative power of modern rail infrastructure in enhancing regional connectivity and fostering economic integration across Southeast Asia and China.

Launched on December 3, 2021, the 1,035-kilometer line connecting Kunming in China's Yunnan Province with Vientiane, Laos, has facilitated a total of 59 million passenger journeys. In the current year alone, it recorded 14.5 million passenger trips, with 11.9 million on the Chinese section and 2.6 million on the Laotian section. The railway operator has conducted 83,000 passenger train services, accommodating over 580,000 international travelers from 115 countries.

This operational success represents a significant shift in regional mobility, evolving from mere accessibility to efficient and rapid transit. The railway is a crucial driver for economic and social development along its route, promoting people-to-people exchanges and establishing itself as a vital transport corridor with strong potential for future growth.

Passenger demand continues to surge, with a year-on-year increase of 3.2 percent in the current year. To meet this demand, enhancements have been made to services, including improved ticketing systems and payment options for international passengers. The railway has also become a key facilitator of tourism, linking popular destinations such as Kunming and Xishuangbanna in China with Luang Prabang and Vientiane in Laos.

The robust performance of the China-Laos Railway highlights the strategic importance of such cross-border rail initiatives in the broader Asian landscape. It serves as a prime example of how integrated rail networks can act as economic catalysts, promoting cultural exchange and strengthening international cooperation.

Source: Global Times