The Government of Laos has commissioned a feasibility study for the development of a 452km long electrified rail link connecting the Vientiane capital with Thakhek in central Khammouane province, part of the Laos-Vietnam Railway Project (LVRP).

The USD5 billion project is being developed in two phases: the first phase will connect Thakhek town with Vung Ang seaport of Vietnam with a length of about 139 km, whereas the second phase will be a 312-km route connecting Thakhek to Vientiane.

The railway project is currently under construction and intends to improve the goods transit capacity in Vũng Áng port as well as facilitate trade between both countries.