China-Laos Railway (Boten – Vientiane)

Project overview

This 422 km rail upgrade entered service in Laos. It comprises 20 initial stations (32 planned total) and 160 km/h design speed. The line uses 25 kV AC 50 Hz electrification and 1435 mm standard gauge. Laos-China Railway Company (LCR) - 70% China + 30% Laos JV is delivering the project, with China Railway Group and China Railway Construction Corporation as main contractors. It opened on 3 December 2021, with an investment of USD 5.965 bn.