VIENTIANE, April 17 (CGTN): The China-Laos Railway has reached its full potential for connectivity, following the recent launch of cross-border passenger services. The mega project is expected to play a bigger role in promoting further exchanges between the two countries.
It's a long-awaited moment. The China-Laos Railway launched the cross-border passenger service on April 13. It means that people can travel between the two countries by train directly without transfer.
The 1,000-plus-kilometer railroad went into service in December 2021, and had only offered domestic passenger services due to pandemic.
Yang Jinghao from Yunnan Province said: "Many believe that with the full connectivity of the railway, cross-border tourism and people-to-people exchanges between China and Laos, and even the whole Southeast Asia will prosper."
The trains stop at eight stations along the way, including some popular tourist destinations, such as Xishuangbanna in China, and Luang Prabang in Laos.
The whole journey takes about 10 hours and a half.
Passengers who got tickets for the very first train bound for Vientiane say it's a fresh and exciting experience.
Luo Quimeu a passenger from China added: "I'm very excited. I've been looking forward to visiting Laos, and I'm happy to take this opportunity to make it come true."
Yunnan Province has been a major destination for Lao students studying abroad.
The railway will greatly facilitate their cross-border travels.
Lao Student Lamphome Thipmala in China said: "I never imagined that traveling from Kunming to Vientiane could be that easy. In the past, traveling in the country required taking the bus, which results in a lengthy commute. It's also comfortable and safe to take train rides."
Meanwhile, demand for cargo transportation has been on the rise.
Official data shows that as of April 12, the railway has transported more than 18 million tonnes of goods, about 3.6 million tonnes of which were cross-border ones.
Officials from both countries pin high hopes on the channel's future development.
The Lao Ambassador to China Kamphao Ernthavanh added: "It will bring more opportunities for people around the world, not only in China and Laos, especially business people. And we welcome more Chinese investors to Laos and explore which areas they can invest."
Experts say that as the world emerges from the pandemic, it will play a more active role in boosting regional connectivity. YJH, CGTN, Yunnan Province. - CGTN
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