An extension of the Laos-Thailand Railway between Thanaleng Station and inner Vientiane is expected to be complete by June this year.
An update on the 7.5 km track was delivered at a recent public works and transport sector annual meeting, Vientiane Times reports.
While the current Laos-Thailand Railway remains a short 3.5-kilometer track linking Nong Khai Province in Thailand with Thanaleng Village in Vientiane Capital, a new section will bring the train line closer to residential areas.
Under Phase II of the Laos-Thailand Railway, the 1-meter guage railway will connect Thanaleng Station in Hadsaifong District with Vientiane Station in Khamsavath Village, Saysettha District.
The THB 900 million extension project is funded by Thailand under a combination of a grant and a low-interest loan.
Officials expect the train connection to increase passenger and tourist numbers, as it will make travel from the city’s outskirts to the city center considerably easier.
Despite differences in track type, future extensions of the Laos-Thailand Railway are expected to connect with the Laos-China Railway, allowing passengers and freight to travel from Thailand directly to China via Laos.
