First China-Laos High-Speed Train Arrives in Vientiane

• Me Wathana
• 18 October 2021
• Construction Focus
• 2289 Views

The first high-speed passenger train connecting China and Laos was delivered to its operator in the Lao capital on Saturday with the plan to officially begin operation on 2 December, the National Day of Laos.

The test runs for the train are also expected to begin soon before the official opening day, reported CGTN.

The train is an Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) type which will run on the newly-constructed 1,000-km railway at a maximum speed of 160 kilometres per hour.

Called “Lancang” as a tribute to the ancient name of Laos and the Lancang-Mekong River, the train will be operated by the Laos-China Railway Company, a joint venture for the railway’s construction and management in Vientiane.

The train’s exterior is painted in red, blue and white to represent the colours of the national flag of Laos, while the interior is adorned with patterns of Dok Champa, a national symbol of Laos.

With a handling capacity of 720 people, the train also includes facilities for people with disabilities and information services in Chinese, Lao and English.

Photo Credit: Xinhua

• Tourism and Travelling