Funds allocated for railway compensation awards
The government has allocated almost 5 billion kip for authorities to finance work in the payment of compensation to those who will lose land when the Laos-China railway is built. However, the actual payments will be carried out by the joint venture company that is building the railway, from a project budget of almost US$6 billion. The compensation awards and demarcation of the railway route must be completed as soon as possible to enable the start of construction of the historic railroad in December. Detailed demarcation of the project corridor through railway stations in Vangvieng district, Luang Prabang district and Oudomxay province is also essential before construction can begin. Once complete, the railway will link Vientiane with the Chinese border over a distance of 427 km. Government bodies are currently holding seminars to inform officials of the significance and economic benefits of the railway for Laos.
