According to reports, the Laos–China high speed railway project is not expected to generate profit for a long time. The project is likely to achieve break-even point in 38 years. The Lao government, which will receive a loan of 54,812 billion kip from the Exim Bank of China, will have to pay 23,491 billion kip in interest, based on a 2 per cent compound interest rate, within a 30-year loan period. The Lao PDR and China governments are currently discussing the terms of the loan. The 421 km railway line project will also involve the construction of 76 tunnels and 154 bridges, including two bridges across the Mekong river.
