Lao Public Works Minister Bounchanh Sinthavong and ASEAN engineering-advisor Sobchoke Srisakorn were among dignitaries at the ceremony. Under the terms of the contract, the line and infrastructure have to be completed within four years. The estimated budget needed is LAK 240 billion.
The line extension will connect Vientiane to Thailand. The Vientiane terminus station will be located in the eastern Khamsavath zone of the city. The line to Thanaleng from Laos’s neighbour was inaugurated in 2009. Current options for travel from Thanaleng to Vientiane have been described by travellers as limited at best.
12GO ASIA says the international rail connection will offer greater convenience and provide a pleasant alternative when heading from Thailand to the capital city of Laos. At present, bus, passenger van and tuktuk are the choices after crossing the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge 1 over the Mekong River.
Project to extend Laos train line to Vientiane gathers steam
News in Asia
A project to extend the only operational railway line in Laos as far as Vientiane has moved a step closer to reality. An official ceremony held recently confirmed the appointment of developers to oversee the construction of a 7.5km-long extension of the line from Thanaleng Station to the city.