“The planned railway will cover a distance of 562 kilometres between Vientiane and the Vung Ang deep water port on the coast of Vietnam. It will be built in three phases.”
“The railway would provide Laos with its closest access to the sea through Vung Ang port and open up a new route for trade with global markets.”
“It is planned that the track will be built to the 1.435-metre standard gauge, the same as the Laos-China Railway, allowing for a smooth connection. Passenger trains are expected to run at 150km/h, while freight trains will operate at 80km/h.”
“According to a feasibility study, the project has an internal rate of return of 7.1 percent and is expected to recoup the investment cost within 14 years.”
“The government estimates the railway will generate a return of about US$76.33 billion, including US$21.99 billion added to gross domestic product and US$32.60 billion in transport revenue.”
“According to the report delivered by the deputy prime minister, freight volumes could increase from 5,079 tonnes to as much as 47,133 tonnes a day, benefitting from reductions in time and cost.”
https://www.vientianetimes.org.la/freefreenews/freecontent_58_Govt_y26.php