On April 13, the China-Laos high-speed railway (HSR) marked its second anniversary, improving both volume and quality of cross-border transport. Operated by CRRC's "Fuxing" and "Lancang" EMUs, the railway connects Kunming and Vientiane, serving as a "golden link" between China and Laos, and injecting strong momentum into the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative.
Data Underscores the Corridor's Momentum
Since its launch on April 13, 2023, the China-Laos HSR —featuring CRRC's "Fuxing" CR200J and "Lancang" trains—has quickly become the preferred mode of cross-border travel, known for its affordability, efficiency, and comfort.
In the past two years, the train service has achieved a 100% on-time departure rate and 99% on-time arrival rate, ensuring smooth and safe operations. As of April 12, the railway had run a total of 74,000 passenger trains, transporting over 50.8 million people. Among them, international services carried 1.91 million passengers, including 487,000 cross-border travelers from 112 countries and regions. Passenger volume in the second year rose by 443,000 over the first, an increase of 60.2%.
The daily Kunming South–Vientiane route continues, while the Xishuangbanna–Luang Prabang route has increased from four to six weekly services. Cross-border seat capacity has grown from 250 to 390 per train, and daily inbound and outbound traveller volume has risen from 300 to a peak of 1,300, greatly facilitating tourism, study, and business. This enhanced access has supported economic development and people-to-people exchange.
The railway has also handled 53,000 freight trains, transporting more than 57.2 million tonnes of goods—enabling products like Yunnan flowers and Laotian coffee to cross borders and enter daily life.
Chinese Standards Deliver Strong Infrastructure Integration
A flagship Belt and Road project, the China-Laos HSR was built to Chinese technical standards using Chinese equipment and is directly integrated with China's national rail network. Trains were tailored to the local climate of high temperatures and frequent rain, with reinforced anti-corrosion and insulation features. Pressure protection in the air-conditioning system reduces discomfort during tunnel entry and exit.
To accommodate cross-border travelers, each seat row includes sockets and USB ports compatible with Chinese and Laotian standards. All signage and information displays are presented in Lao, Chinese, and English to support international access.
Smart Maintenance Enables Seamless Operations
CRRC has established a 24/7 responsive service system, with standardized after-sales stations in both Laos and Kunming. During holidays such as the Lao New Year and National Day, extra staff ride or remain onboard to ensure smooth operations. In response to the humid and hot climate, key systems like air-conditioning, windows, and doors are checked and maintained regularly. To date, the EMUs have safely operated over 5 million kilometres.
CRRC also supports the training of Laotian railway technicians, ensuring the railway's long-term localized and sustainable development.
The two-year mark is both a milestone and a launchpad. A fifth custom-built "Lancang" train is in the final stages of production and will soon join the fleet, further enhancing service and supporting stronger regional mobility along this vital "golden corridor."
