Illustrative image (Photo: Bangkokpost) Vientiane (VNA) - The Thailand-Laos railproject is on track, with services expected to commence in mid-2023, said the StateRailway of Thailand (SRT).
Bothcountries are providing training for train operators, maintenance staff andrelated officers.
The trainingis expected to be completed by December, after which both countries willdiscuss train operations and fees, as well as other related issues. Thediscussions are expected to wrap up before the scheduled opening date inmid-2023.
The project will see therailway linking Nong Khai province of Thailand to Vientiane capital of Laos, where itwill connect with the China-Laos railway that runs to Kunming. This stretchwent into operation in December last year.
Trainoperations will commence in mid-2023 with four return trips per day. The routewill also run past Thanaleng Dry Port and a container yard.
In the second phase startingfrom 2024, the SRT will extend the route to Udon Thani and Nakhon Ratchasimastations, with two trains running daily from Nakhon Ratchasima to VientianeKhamsavath and back.
The last phase, from 2025, will see the routefurther extended to Bang Sue Grand Station, with two return trips per daybetween Bangkok and Vientiane Khamsavath./.
