Kunming: The China-Laos Railway is experiencing significant growth in cross-border passenger traffic, with more than 100,000 train journeys completed as of Wednesday. This achievement underscores the railway's increasing role as a vital regional transport corridor, as reported by China Railway Kunming Group.
According to Lao News Agency, passenger demand has shown consistent growth since the railway began operations. Initially, the monthly passenger volume was approximately 600,000, but it has surged to a peak of 2.25 million. On the Chinese segment of the railway, daily passenger services have expanded from eight to a peak of 86 trains, while the Lao section has seen an increase from four to 18 trains per day.
Cross-border passenger services have become a significant factor in the railway's growth. Since the initiation of international passenger trains on April 13, 2023, travelers can now directly journey between Kunming South Station in China's Yunnan Province and Vientiane, the capital of Laos. This development offers a quicker and more convenient option for tourism, business, and cultural exchanges.
Currently, the route operates four international passenger trains daily, with the fastest service completing the journey in just nine hours and 36 minutes. Streamlined customs clearance procedures at Mohan railway port have reduced processing times to approximately 50 minutes.
In 2026, passenger traffic continues to grow robustly. By Wednesday, the railway had managed 9.27 million passenger trips this year, marking a year-on-year increase of 7.5 percent. Cross-border passenger numbers reached 164,000, a 35.3 percent rise compared to the same period last year.
The recent statistics emphasize the China-Laos Railway's expanding influence in boosting connectivity, facilitating trade and tourism, and supporting economic cooperation between Laos, China, and the broader region.