(KPL) Construction of Section 2 of the Vientiane–Hanoi Expressway is now under way, following the signing of the project contract in mid-October. By the end of October 2025, the developer, Namtha Construction-Bridge-Road Sole Co., Ltd., had already mobilised machinery and technical teams to begin work.

The 203.8-kilometre section runs from Paksan district to the Laos–Vietnam border in Xaychamphon district, Bolikhamxay province.

Mr Lienthong Vonghachack, Deputy Head of the Vientiane–Hanoi Expressway Construction Project (Sections 1 and 2), said the developer is pressing ahead with the first phase of implementation, setting up multiple work fronts along the route. The project is scheduled for completion within four years, by 2029.

According to Mr Lienthong, three categories of work will proceed in parallel:

Earthworks and structural works along every 10–20 km of the route

Bridge construction at all river crossings

Concrete paving in flat areas where earthworks have been finished

Construction will run around the clock, with additional foreign labour brought in to ensure progress meets the project timeline.

Section 2 is considered a key component in Laos’ broader connectivity strategy. Located between Vietnam and Thailand, the country sits along an emerging global trade corridor linking India, Europe and ASEAN with China, the Republic of Korea and Japan.

Currently, most cargo between these regions moves by sea through Singapore, a route used by around 100,000 vessels each year with a combined cargo value estimated at USD 1 trillion. Once operational, the expressway is expected to shift a portion of this traffic to overland transport. The land route from Thailand’s Ranong Port to Hong Kong is roughly 3,000 km—about 1,000 km shorter than the equivalent sea route via Singapore—offering significant time and safety advantages.

Thailand and Vietnam have already completed railway and expressway links up to the Lao border, pending the finalisation of this expressway section.

Laos is expected to gain substantial benefits upon completion, including:

Economic gains, with projected revenue of more than USD 1 billion annually through increased investment, tourism and service-sector expansion

Enhanced security and strategic relevance, strengthening the country’s role in regional and international transport networks.

KPL