中老铁路四年铸成“黄金动脉”：6250万人次乘坐，惠及沿线民生与产业

Core Insights - The China-Laos Railway has been operational for four years, demonstrating stable transportation safety and significant passenger and cargo throughput, with over 62.5 million passengers and 72.5 million tons of cargo transported [2] Passenger Transport - The passenger volume on the China-Laos Railway has shown a continuous growth trend, with 8.25 million passengers in 2022 and an expected 19.11 million in 2024, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 15.2% [3] - The average daily passenger trains increased from 8 to a peak of 86 in the domestic section, while the Laos section saw an increase from 4 to 18 trains [2] Cargo Transport - In 2023, over 22.3 million tons of cargo were transported via the China-Laos Railway, marking a 26% year-on-year increase [3] - The railway now covers 31 provinces in China and 19 countries and regions, with over 3,800 types of goods transported, enhancing its role as a cross-border freight channel [3] Tourism Development - The railway has facilitated the integration of tourism and transportation, with over 640,000 tourists from more than 120 countries traveling on international passenger trains, boosting local tourism industries [4] - Local residents have benefited economically, with examples of increased income from tourism-related businesses, such as a resident transforming her home into a bakery, leading to a significant rise in monthly earnings [4] Economic Impact - The China-Laos Railway has improved the efficiency of people, goods, capital, and information flow, positively impacting transportation costs and logistics efficiency in Laos and several ASEAN countries [4] - Transportation costs from Kunming to Thailand have decreased by 30% to 50%, while costs within Laos have dropped by 20% to 40%, promoting the establishment of over 40 industrial logistics parks [4]