China-Laos Railway Fuels Trade and Record Travel Boom in Early 2025 Amid Scrutiny

Since its launch on December 3, 2021, the China-Laos Railway has handled over 48.6 million passenger trips and 54 million tons of goods as of February 2025.
Passengers at the railway station in Laos' capital Vientiane that was financed and built by China. ANG CHHIN Sothy / AFP

Since its launch on December 3, 2021, the China-Laos Railway has handled over 48.6 million passenger trips and 54 million tons of goods as of February 2025. The number is seen as strengthening regional trade and economic integration under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), amid scrutiny of debt trap and rivaling programs.

In early 2025, the railway set new freight and passenger records. In just two months, it transported 4 million tons of goods—including 8,000 tons of imported fruit—and carried 4.1 million passengers, its busiest period to date, according to official data.

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by Edwin Shri Bimo

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