Cross-border Cable Car Project Preparation Study Completes Stage 1 Activities

August 29, 2023

The CDIA-supported project preparation study (PPS) for the cable car system that aims to enhance border crossing between Nong Khai, Thailand, and Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR) is well underway with the completion of stage 1 activities.

During the inception workshop with Lao PDR counterparts held on 27 July 2023 in the capital city of Vientiane, the CDIA team of consultants reported that they have completed the initial assessments of the current cross-border situation, conducted site visits, reviewed the public-private partnership (PPP) legal frameworks in Thailand and Lao PDR, and held meetings and discussions with project stakeholders.

Out of the site visits and consultations, they proposed main design considerations for the cable car system, as well as route options and station location alternatives, which they discussed extensively with stakeholders at the workshop.

The team also presented their data collection methodology for the travel demand forecast and the topics for the training session that they will deliver to build the capacity of implementers in designing and managing the cable car project. Furthermore, they shared the key considerations for implementing the project under PPP based on the legal frameworks in the two countries.

Project stakeholders, led by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MPWT) provided their insights on the findings, challenges, and the next steps of the PPS.

Mr. Lan Sengaphone, Vice Minister of MPWT reiterated the importance of the project during his opening remarks.

“If this project is developed, it will be the new image of Vientiane,” the Vice Minister said. “This activity is very important for promoting connectivity and cross-border mobility while supporting tourism. It will have a great contribution to Lao PDR’s socio-economic development,” he added.

Meanwhile, Asian Development Bank (ADB) Senior Urban Development Officer Aldrin Plaza, who led the CDIA mission team from Manila, reiterated the role of ADB-CDIA in establishing the project’s viability and the importance of partnership in accomplishing the key activities of the PPS.

“We are here to work with you in determining the viability of the project at the pre-feasibility level, and we will harness our PPS financial and human resources with yours to help you realize the envisaged project,” Aldrin said. “We hope that the project coordination committee and its technical working group can work together with the CDIA team to make the study and the project a future success.”

Following Stage 1, the CDIA team will carry out the travel demand analysis and pre-feasibility study, including route options and the cable car system design. They will also craft an institutional and capacity development roadmap, deliver targeted training activities, and conduct social and environmental assessments. They will further undertake market sounding activities to determine private sector interest in implementing the project.

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Photos during the inception workshop:

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