A project upgrading the railway from Kunyang to Yuxi in southwestern China's Yunnan province has begun recently.

Upon completion, it will link with Yuxi-Mohan Railway, which broke ground on Aug. 31, and become the Chinese section of the railway between China and Laos, People's Daily reports on Thursday.

With a speed of 200 km per hour, Kunyang-Yuxi Railway is a double-track and electrified line. The section being upgraded totals 49.3 km. It is expected to be put into service before the end of 2016.