‘Friendship Tunnel’ opens new chapter in China-Laos ties
Photographer: Zhao Shiyue and Yang Zixuan via China Daily/Asia News Network
BEIJING — The “Friendship Tunnel” in Mohan land port on China-Laos Railway is the first cross-border railway tunnel between China and neighboring countries, with a total length of 9.6 km, measuring 7.2 km on the Chinese side and 2.4 km on the Laos section.
Connecting China’s Mohan and Boten in Laos, the tunnel plays a significant role in promoting the economic cooperation between China and Asean countries, and further deepens the Belt and Road Initiative in Southeastern Asia.
Nowadays, about 5 to 6 pairs of cargo trains pass through the “Friendship Tunnel”, transporting fresh vegetables, daily electronics and fertilizers. Replacing trucks, the newly-built railway has already become the first choice for companies to deliver bulk commodities, such as rubber, iron ore and non-ferrous metals.
Mohan land port adopts strict COVID-19 pandemic prevention and control measures, such as automatic disinfection system, and every cargo train gets sterilized after entering the tunnel.
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