Laos-China Railway Enables Record-Breaking Journey from Singapore to Portugal_blog

12 Jan, 2026

Laos-China Railway Enables Record-Breaking Journey from Singapore to Portugal

The world’s longest train journey now runs from Singapore to Portugal, covering nearly 19,000 kilometers across 13 countries and linking Southeast Asia to Western Europe entirely by rail.

The Laos-China Railway (LCR) is a key player in this achievement, linking Southeast Asia and China’s extensive rail network.

The Route in a Nutshell

The journey begins in Singapore and travels north through Malaysia and Thailand before entering Laos.

From Laos’ Vientiane, passengers board the LCR to Kunming, China, passing through the UNESCO World Heritage city of Luang Prabang.

The route then continues across China to Beijing, follows the Trans-Siberian Railway through Mongolia and Russia, to Moscow, and proceeds westward through Europe, passing through Belarus, Poland, Germany, France, and Spain, before reaching the final destination of Lisbon, Portugal.

Traveling back-to-back, the entire journey takes approximately 21 days, with the longest single leg being the seven-day, 7,622-kilometer Moscow-Beijing segment.

Laos-China Railway: The Crucial Connection

Inaugurated in December 2021, the 420-kilometer Laos-China Railway has transformed Laos from a “landlocked” to a “land-linked” nation. The railway has already carried over 62 million passengers on the Vientiane-Kunming route and more than 12 million passengers within Laos.

Most significantly, the LCR provides the critical overland connection between Southeast Asia and China’s extensive rail network, enabling seamless travel from Singapore all the way to Europe.

Without this railway linking Vientiane to Kunming, the Singapore-to-Portugal route would not be possible.

Currently, a 15-kilometer bus connection near Vientiane links the LCR with the Laos-Thailand Railway. However, construction of a new railway bridge across the Mekong River between Vientiane and Nong Khai will soon create a direct rail link, further enhancing connectivity as part of Laos’ transformation into a regional transportation hub under China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

Challenges and the Future

While this route represents a unique route in global rail connectivity, geopolitical tensions present challenges. Since 2022, the suspension of rail services has blocked direct train travel across Russia’s western borders, requiring travelers to make alternative arrangements.

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14 Jan, 2026

Asia Development Bank Backs Urban Planning for Resilient and Sustainable Cities in Laos

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a USD 700,000 grant to support feasibility studies and project preparation for more resilient and sustainable urban development in Laos, as the country faces rapid urbanisation and growing tourism demand.An inception workshop for the Feasibility Study for Resilient and Sustainable Urban Improvement Project was held on 12 January, chaired by Deputy Minister of Public Works and Transport Detsongkham Thammavong. The meeting brought together 58 participants from line ministries, provincial and district authorities, ADB, and consulting firms.According to officials, the workshop reviewed the overall project scope and progress made during the preparation phase. Participants discussed priority sub-projects, agreed on an implementation timeline, and examined work plans, technical guidelines, and coordination mechanisms between government agencies and the advisory team.The ADB grant will finance technical studies to identify and prioritise future urban infrastructure investments. Key focus areas include urban planning, road and transport networks, drainage and flood management systems, riverbank protection, bridges, and solid waste management facilities.Authorities said the project aims to strengthen the resilience and sustainability of urban infrastructure while improving service delivery for both residents and visitors. Target areas include Xay District in Oudomxay Province and Namtha District in Luang Namtha Province, both of which are experiencing increased development pressure.Project preparation began in September 2025 and is currently in the data collection and sub-project assessment stage. The feasibility study is expected to conclude in August 2026, with findings intended to guide future investment projects aligned with Laos’ long-term urban development strategy.

10 Jan, 2026

Laos Sets Digital Transformation as Key Driver of Modernization

Laos has placed digital transformation at the centre of its national development agenda, identifying it as a key driver of modernization, productivity, and sustainable economic growth.Speaking on National Digital Day on 10 January, Minister of Technology and Communications Santisuk Simmalavong said digital transformation is no longer optional for Laos, but a necessary and long-term national mission.He said the government must proactively advance digitalisation across all socio-economic sectors to improve production efficiency, enhance service quality, and support the country’s transition toward industrialization and modernization in line with the Party’s reform path.According to Santisuk, digital transformation will enable Laos to better absorb scientific and technological advances, apply innovation more effectively, and promote green and sustainable development as the country enters a new phase of growth.Connectivity Expands NationwideHighlighting recent progress, Santisuk said Laos has expanded its fibre-optic network to more than 36,000 kilometres nationwide.He noted that 4G coverage now reaches 76 percent of villages, while 5G services operate in 59 major cities. These developments have increased internet usage to approximately 63 percent of the population.Digital Government Reform AdvancesOn public sector reform, Santisuk said authorities have completed integration of the government intranet network (G-Net), which now connects all ministries and provinces.The government has also rolled out the electronic office system (e-Office) to improve efficiency, coordination, and transparency across state institutions.He added that the establishment of the National Digital Transformation Committee, chaired by the Prime Minister, has strengthened leadership and coordination for digital reform from the central level to local administrations.Looking ahead, Laos is drafting a national artificial intelligence strategy and has established the Lao Digital Park with the support of the Republic of Korea to support startups, attract investment, and develop a high-skilled workforce with a focus on environmentally friendly innovation.