Construction of Laos-China railway to begin in December: official

Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith will officially launch the construction for the Laos-China railway at a ceremony on Dec. 25, a local official told the media.

The launching ceremony for the railway, scheduled for Dec. 25, will be held at the end of the new Mekong Bridge in Ban Phonexay, Luang Prabang district, some 250 km north of Lao capital Vientiane.

This bridge, which will be part of the railway, is expected to be completed over the next two years, according to head of Luang Prabang Provincial Public Works and Transport Department Fasananh Thammavong.

"Prime Minister Thongloun is expected to be present for the launching ceremony as well as leading officials of Luang Prabang Province and representatives of the Chinese Road Construction Company No. 8," Fasananh said on Tuesday.

He also told the Lao and Chinese media that the railway linking Vientiane with China's southwestern city of Kunming would pass through three districts of Luang Prabang, Chomphet and Xieng Ngeun. Six mountain tunnels and four stations will be built in the province.

The Provincial Mediatory Committee for the Railway Construction Project has already conducted a public campaign in the affected communities aiming to increase understanding among locals and encourage their participation in the project.

More than 300 companies have submitted proposals to supply sand and cement for the railway project in the province, Fasananh added.

He also assured that the World Heritage Town of Luang Prabang will not be affected by construction of the 414-km cross-border railway. Endit