Luang Prabang Station along Lao PDR-People's Republic of China Railway Nears Completion

The Luang Prabang Station along the Lao PDR-People's Republic of China (PRC) railway is set to be completed in August, notes the China Radio International Vientiane [3]. It will have two platforms, four tracks, and a station hall that can accommodate 1,200 passengers. The station’s roof incorporates a distinctive “three vertical lines, one diagonal” design in the steel structure.  

The railway spans around 414 kilometers, with 198 km of tunnels and 62km of bridges. It is set to improve the country's connectivity and aid its economic recovery after the pandemic, notes experts [4]. Starting from the Boten (Lao PDR) border gate to Northern Lao PDR to the PRC, to Vientiane (Lao PDR), the railway will have an operating speed of 160km per hour. There will be 22 loading and unloading stations for freight, and ten passenger stations, including Vientiane, Phonhong, Vang Vieng, Kasy, Luang Prabang, and Boten. It is scheduled to open to passengers and cargo in December. 

The Review of Configuration of the Greater Mekong Subregion Economic Corridors, [5] which recommends possible extension and/or realignment of economic corridors to enhance their effectiveness and efficiency in advancing economic integration in the Greater Mekong Subregion, recommends adding the Boten–Oudomxay–Luang Prabang–Vang Vieng–Vientiane–Nong Khai–Udon Thani–Nakhon Ratchasima–Laem Chabang link to the North –South Economic Corridor. Addition of this route will expand the coverage of economic corridors in the Lao PDR.