A new international passenger rail line connecting Mohan Railway Station in Mengla county, Yunnan province, and Boten Railway Station in Laos began trial operations on Monday, according to the Mengla County Integrated Media Center.

It is the first commuter-style international passenger line between China and Laos, offering five round-trips daily in each direction. The 16-kilometer journey takes about 50 minutes, with stops at both countries’ border ports for passenger boarding and customs clearance.

Xia Mo, deputy general manager of Yunnan Tourism Co Ltd, the line’s operator, said the company will uphold the service philosophy of “safety, professionalism, and dedication” to ensure travelers experience “the convenience and warmth of this road of friendship”.

The new service connects directly with the China–Laos Railway, enabling seamless road–rail intermodal transport for international passengers. It is expected to further enhance cross-border travel convenience and boost regional connectivity, according to the report.