Laos approves railway linking to Vietnam under BOT model

The Government of Laos has granted in-principle approval for a new railway project connecting the country to Vietnam.

The proposed line will link Thakhek in Khammouane Province with the Mu Gia border gate in Vietnam’s Quang Tri Province under a build-operate-transfer (BOT) model. The project is expected to enhance Laos’ access to regional and global markets by strengthening its integration into the East–West Economic Corridor.

The approval was granted during the inaugural session of Laos’ 10th National Assembly, which also endorsed the country’s five-year socio-economic development plan for 2026–2030. The railway is seen as a strategic initiative to reduce Laos’ landlocked limitations and improve trade and logistics efficiency.

The development builds on ongoing efforts to enhance connectivity across the Mekong sub-region, including recent cross-border infrastructure projects linking Laos with neighbouring countries such as Thailand and Vietnam.