A map of the railway route. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — The Laos-Việt Nam railway system, connecting Thakhek District in Khammouane Province, Laos, to the Laos-Việt Nam border, is expected to open for public use in 2028, according to the Vietnam News Agency correspondent in Laos.

The Petroleum Trading Lao Public Company (PTL), in cooperation with the Yooshin Engineering Corporation and the Korea National Railway, will conduct detailed design studies of the railway route before construction begins.

The Lao press reported that PTL Chairman Chanthone Sitthixay, Yooshin Engineering Group Chairman Chon Kyung-soon, and Korea National Railways Chief Executive Officer Park Jin-Hyun signed a cooperation agreement in Vientiane last week, with witnesses including high-ranking leaders from the Lao ministries of planning and investment, natural resources and environment, public works, and transport.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Chanthone mentioned that the company had been granted the project developer rights.

He stated that the signing and detailed design phases would pave the way for future construction.

Chanthone said that both Yooshin Engineering Corporation and Korea National Railway had demonstrated high capacity and extensive international experience. He confirmed their outstanding expertise in engineering, design, construction, technology, and project management in the railway sector over the past decade.

Chanthone expressed his belief that, with the direction and support of the Lao Party and Government, the Laos-Việt Nam railway would be completed as scheduled and meet its objectives.

When put into use, the railway will not only expand the modern, standard transport infrastructure system but also reduce transport costs

It will enhance Laos’ socio-economic development and become a reliable source of revenue for the Lao Government's long-term budget.

The railway system will also enhance Laos' connectivity as a transport and trade hub within and outside the Southeast Asia (ASEAN).

All of these factors will greatly benefit the Lao people, and the country will become more prosperous in a sustainable way.

The project's overarching goal is to support the Lao Government's vision and the country's development strategy, transforming Laos from a mainland country into a regionally cohesive one.

The Laos-Việt Nam railway is part of the Laos logistics linkage project, which includes several sub-projects such as Thanaleng Port and Vientiane Logistics Zone, Vũng Áng Seaport, and Boualapha Coal Thermal Power Plant."

Initial information indicates that the Laos-Việt Nam railway is a high-speed railway with an estimated total investment of more than US$5.5 billion.

The railway is planned to have a total length of over 500 km, with the section from Vientiane to Thakhek District in Khammouane Province measuring approximately 312.81 km.

The section from Thakhek District to the Việt Nam border is about 139.18 km long, while the section in Việt Nam spans approximately 119 km. — VNS