The Governments of Laos and Vietnam have approved the development of a rail line connecting the two countries. The project is a joint venture (JV) between Deo Ca Group JSC and Petroleum Trading Lao Public Company (PetroTrade). The JV needs to conduct a pre-feasibility study and submit a report on their findings in accordance with national and regional laws and planning schemes before the works begin on the project.
Additionally, the project is also part of the Vientiane-Vung Ang railway development plan for 2021–2030, with a vision towards 2050.
The 554.7-km-long line will connect Vientiane to Thakhaek district and will continue to the Vietnamese border and on to Vung Ang seaport. The project is being developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) with a total investment of VND149.55 trillion. The first section of the line will span 103 km connecting Vung Ang to Tan Ap-Mu Gia. This section of the line is estimated to cost around VND27.5 trillion.
The project is expected to commence passenger operations in early 2027.