China-Laos Railway: Two-Way Freight Boosting Trade

Introduction

The China-Laos Railway initiated two-way operations for its international freight train service between Yuxi and Vientiane on August 23. The service, which began with a train departing from Yanhe Station in Yuxi City, Yunnan Province, and another from Vientiane, the capital of Laos, aims to enhance regional trade and logistics cooperation.

Two-Way Freight Operations

The international freight train service between Yuxi and Vientiane commenced on August 23. A train departed from Yanhe Station in Yuxi City, Yunnan Province, with Vientiane as its final destination. Simultaneously, a train began its journey from Vientiane, heading towards Yanhe freight railway station in the Hongta District of Yuxi City.

Impact on Regional Trade

This two-way freight operation is designed to improve logistical efficiency, reduce delivery times, and strengthen economic ties between China and Laos. The service is expected to support the growing demand for cross-border trade in agricultural products, consumer goods, electronics, and machinery by enabling a more consistent flow of goods.

China-Laos Railway Performance

Since its launch in December 2021, the China-Laos Railway has transported over 64.5 million tonnes of goods by the end of July this year. Of this, more than 14.9 million tonnes were cross-border cargo. The railway, a key international logistics corridor in Southeast Asia, is a component of China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

Railway Infrastructure and Development

The China-Laos Railway spans approximately 1,035 km, connecting Kunming, Yunnan Province, with Vientiane. It includes about 422 km in Laos, with the remainder in China. The railway, which opened on 3 December 2021, is an electrified, standard-gauge line. By March 2025, the railway had facilitated more than 50 million passenger trips. The train journey between Kunming and Vientiane, which previously took days by road, now takes approximately 10 hours. Yuxi is being developed into a major international logistics hub, supported by Yanhe Station’s freight infrastructure, to benefit from expanded trade opportunities, job creation, and industrial growth.

Conclusion

The China-Laos Railway has launched two-way international freight train services between Yuxi and Vientiane, contributing to enhanced regional trade and logistical efficiency. The railway, operational since December 2021, has transported significant volumes of goods, supporting China’s Belt and Road Initiative and fostering economic ties between China and Laos.

China-Laos Railway

The China-Laos Railway is a 1,035 km railway line connecting Kunming, Yunnan Province, with Vientiane. The railway includes approximately 422 km in Laos. It commenced operations in December 2021 and features electrified, standard-gauge tracks.

Vientiane

Vientiane is the capital of Laos and serves as a key destination for the China-Laos Railway.

Yuxi

Yuxi City, located in Yunnan Province, China, serves as a key point on the China-Laos Railway. Yanhe Station is a freight railway station in the Hongta District of Yuxi City.