I remember this news from Vientianetimes reported 3 years ago that Laos will have a plan to build electric tram. My question is how is the progress of this project, or it is already come to an end ?
LAO and Russian business investors met on Sunday at the Lao Plaza Hotel to discuss potential business ventures, including the electric tram project proposed for Vientiane.
A Russian constructor presented the public transportation project worth US$60 million, for which an 81-km stretch of road has been surveyed. The feasibility study for the project began in March last year and initially costs were estimated at US$107 million. Then the constructor reworked the plan, cutting unnecessary systems such as a warm air supply. The present estimation covers surveys, training of mechanics and drivers, and 50 tram cars, a Vientiane Communication, Transport, Post and Construction Service staff member, Khamphay Souvatdy, told Vientiane Times this week.
The timeframe for implementation of the project depends on the findings of the survey and preparation of the economic study of the Service before it is presented to Vientiane authorities and the government for consideration. They will also make decisions as to whether the system will be powered by electricity or gasoline. Khamphay has already projected that costs for both technologies are similar, but an electric-powered system is estimated to have a 15-year life span, considerably longer than the seven years anticipated with a gas-powered method of transport. The Service will do a comparative economic study of the two systems for presentation to Vientiane leaders and the government, requesting financial support. The Russian delegation suggested that if funding were a problem, the government should make a detailed survey of the exact route to be followed by the tram and then sell bonds to the public in order to acquire the necessary financing. This tactic has already been successfully employed in Russia, according to Vientiane transport service technical staff.
The Vientiane authority has already determined three circular routes to be followed. The first route will encompass Dong Dok and Done Noon, the second will go out to the Friendship Bridge and to Xieng Khuan, (Buddha Park) and the third will go to Nong Taeng and Nong Beuk.
The main station is planned for the vicinity of the That Luang fresh market, because a train station is also planned for this location in the future, said Khamphay. Business operators from both Laos and Russia are also interested in other projects. Lao businesswomen would like to participate in a joint venture with Russian counterparts to build a shopping centre in Moscow, while Russian investors want to build a healthcare centre in Vientiane. Both projects require the support of the leaders of the two nations.
A Moscow tour agency wants to bring Russian tourists to Laos and to open an office, a restaurant and a hotel in Vientiane. The tour agency would also like to see the reopening of direct flights between Vientiane and Moscow. Khamphay said that investors from both nations have already purchased and traded with one another over the past year, citing Pharmaceutical Factory No 3 and other pharmaceutical producres, which export traditional medicine such as skin balm and massage oil to Russia.
