Construction on the Laos-Vietnam railway will commence by the end of 2023 or by the start of 2024 at the latest. Petroleum Trading Lao Public Company (PetroTrade), the developer, has concluded the feasibility study of the electricity-powered line and is currently in the process of finalising a concession agreement with the Government of Laos.
The first phase of the project will include construction on the 139.18-km-long section between the border and Thakhaek. Works on this section is expected to be funded by external loans, likely from an international financial institution.
The Laos – Vietnam Railway Project (LVRP) is a planned 555 km cross border rail line that will be connected to the existing Laos-China railway. The project is expected to cost USD 6.3 billion. No completion date has been mentioned yet.