(KPL) Minister of Public Works and Transport Leklay Sivilay has visited the Lao National Railway Enterprise (LNRE) and the Laos–China Railway Company (LCRC) to assess operations and underline the government’s commitment to expanding regional connectivity through modern rail infrastructure.

Mr. Leklay, accompanied by senior officials from the ministry, was received by Daochinda Sihala, Director of the LNRE, and Lu Haizhou, Director of the LCRC, along with department heads and technical experts. The delegation toured several key sites, including Khamsavath Railway Station, the Laos–Thailand train service, freight and administrative facilities, and the Vientiane South freight station. They also visited the LCRC office in the Saysettha Comprehensive Development Zone.

During the inspection, Anongdet Phetkaisone, Deputy Director of the LNRE, briefed the minister on the progress and milestones achieved by both railway companies, while identifying remaining operational challenges.

Mr. Lu Haizhou highlighted the company’s performance over the past five years and raised several coordination issues requiring government support.

Minister Leklay stressed that the Laos–China Railway represents a central element of the country’s strategy to transform from a landlocked to a land-linked economy, strengthening its role as a gateway to the wider ASEAN region. He said the project has already contributed significantly to economic growth and trade over the past five years.

He called on both enterprises to prioritise passenger and freight safety, ensure operational efficiency and profitability, and meet their tax obligations. The minister also urged closer coordination among relevant sectors  including finance, commerce, public security, and public works  to reinforce and sustain the Lao National Railway Enterprise’s development.

KPL