Since the China-Laos Railway launched its cross-border passenger service on April 13, it handled 14 cross-border passenger trains and 2,597 cross-border passenger trips as of April 19, including 1,154 outbound trips and 1,443 inbound trips, said the Mohan entry-exit border checkpoint.

"Taking the train from Laos to China this time is much more convenient than the highway trip before. It not only saves time but also allows me to enjoy the scenery along the route," said Xingxing, a Laotian student who came to study in Kunming. She recalled that she used to take a bus from the Laotian capital Vientiane to Kunming, which would take 2 to 3 days and require at least three transfers. Thanks to the China-Laos Railway cross-border passenger train service, she only needs less than 5 hours to reach Mohan and another 5 hours to arrive in Kunming.

"In response to the situation where some passengers are not familiar with the entry and exit policies and related procedures, we have increased on-site police force for guidance, published and repeatedly played customs clearance guidelines to guide inbound and outbound passengers to wait for inspection in an orderly manner. At the same time, we have issued entry cards for foreign passengers in advance before the inbound trains arrive, so as to minimize the waiting time for entry inspection", said Fang Ting, a police officer on duty at the Mohan entry-exit border checkpoint.

Since the China-Laos Railway cross-border passenger train service started a week ago, the Mohan entry-exit border checkpoint has continuously improved the service plan for the cross-border train. The checkpoint optimized the clearance process, scientifically allocated police forces, strengthened service guidance, and comprehensively strengthened communication and coordination with departments along the railway, so as to effectively ensure the operation of the China-Laos Railway cross-border passenger train, as well as the safety and stability of the port.

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(Editors: Lexi, Ines)