Since its inauguration on December 3, 2021, the China-Laos Railway has maintained stable operations under the close cooperation of railway authorities from both countries. As of April 12 this year, the railway has transported more than 70.7 million passengers and over 81.5 million tonnes of cargo, including over 18.6 million tonnes of cross-border freight, demonstrating its growing role as a vital international corridor.
Passenger transport has seen both volume and quality improvements. In the first quarter of this year, the railway carried 6.04 million passengers, a 7.6% increase compared to the same period last year. Among these, cross-border passenger numbers reached 112,000, marking a significant 32.4% year-on-year growth. Passenger traffic saw a notable rise in April, coinciding with the annual Water-Splashing Festival celebrations in Xishuangbanna, China, and Vientiane, Laos.
Freight transport has also experienced robust growth. The number of daily cross-border freight trains has increased from an initial two to a peak of 23. The hauling capacity per train has been raised from 2,000 tonnes to 2,800 tonnes, and the variety of goods transported across the border has expanded to more than 3,800 categories. In the first quarter of this year, the railway moved 6.18 million tonnes of cargo, including 1.5 million tonnes of cross-border freight.
Looking ahead, railway authorities from both countries plan to strengthen collaboration to enhance the management and utilization of the railway. Efforts will focus on improving transport organization, optimizing train schedules, and upgrading passenger and freight services. Coordination with customs and border inspection agencies will be intensified to facilitate commercial logistics and land development along the route. Additionally, equipment maintenance, especially during the flood season, and comprehensive environmental improvements will be prioritized to further amplify the corridor's economic impact.
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