China-Laos Railway Marks Two Years of Operations
Achieving a Milestone in Regional Economic Development and People-to-People Exchanges
KUNMING, April 12 (Bernama-Xinhua) — As of Saturday, the China-Laos Railway has transported 487,000 cross-border passengers from 112 countries and regions since the launch of its international passenger train service two years ago, according to China Railway Kunming Group Co Ltd, Xinhua reported.
A Significant Boost to Regional Economic Development
The 1,035-km railway, which links Kunming in southwest China’s Yunnan Province and the Laotian capital of Vientiane, has played a significant role in boosting regional economic development and enhancing people-to-people exchanges, the railway company said.
Enhancing Cross-Border Travel Experience
The cross-border passenger service was officially launched on April 13, 2023, further solidifying the railway’s role as a flagship project of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative.
Meeting Growing Passenger Demand
To meet growing passenger demand, railway authorities have taken a series of targeted measures, including increasing the international passenger trains between Xishuangbanna in Yunnan, and Lao’s Luang Prabang — two popular tourist destinations — from four to six days per week, excluding Wednesdays.
The number of cross-border passenger seats per train has increased from 250 at the outset to 390, while daily inbound and outbound passenger flow has surged from 300 to a peak of 1,300.
Streamlining Customs Clearance Procedures
The travel time between Kunming South and Vientiane has been reduced by an hour to approximately 9 hours and 30 minutes, while customs clearance procedures at border checkpoints have also been streamlined, with wait times shortened from 90 minutes to as little as 50 minutes.
Enhancing Travel Experience at Border Checkpoints
At the Mohan border checkpoint, police officers who speak foreign languages have been deployed to help inbound and outbound travelers with queries on laws and policies, local customs, tourism tips and cuisine.
A Successful Two-Year Journey
The China-Laos Railway began operations in December 2021.
Conclusion
The China-Laos Railway has made significant contributions to regional economic development and people-to-people exchanges in the past two years. With its efficient services and streamlined customs clearance procedures, the railway has become a vital link between China and Laos, promoting cross-border trade and tourism.
FAQs
Q: How many cross-border passengers has the China-Laos Railway transported since its launch?
A: The China-Laos Railway has transported 487,000 cross-border passengers from 112 countries and regions since its launch.
Q: What is the current number of cross-border passenger seats per train?
A: The current number of cross-border passenger seats per train is 390.
Q: How long does it take to travel between Kunming South and Vientiane?
A: The travel time between Kunming South and Vientiane is approximately 9 hours and 30 minutes.
Q: What measures have been taken to enhance customs clearance procedures at border checkpoints?
A: Customs clearance procedures at border checkpoints have been streamlined, with wait times shortened from 90 minutes to as little as 50 minutes.
Q: When did the China-Laos Railway begin operations?
A: The China-Laos Railway began operations in December 2021.