China to extend high speed rail network to Laos and Thailand

CHINA, boasting the world's longest high-speed rail system, is to extend the network to its neighbouring southeast Asian countries, reported Xinhua.

At the recent seventh world congress on high speed rail in Beijing, Lao deputy prime minister Somsavat Lengsavad said Laos has reached an agreement with China to set up a joint venture to build a railway linking China's southwestern Yunnan province and the Lao capital of Vientiane. The project is scheduled to start in 2011 and completion within four years.

Also, Thailand, another southeast Asian nation, is also partnering with China to build five railways with speeds of 250 km per hour at a cost of US$22.5-25.5 billion, said Thai deputy prime minister Suthep Thuagsuban at the conference.
(Source:www.schednet.com)