VRA proposes over $7.2b for railway project crossing Hai Duong province

The Lao Cai-Ha Noi-Hai Phong-Quang Ninh railway line, stretching more than 447km through 10 cities and provinces, is expected to boost freight capacity between Vietnam and China, according to the Vietnam Railway Administration (VRA).

The VRA has submitted a proposal to the Ministry of Transport to review and approve the project. This aims to meet the growing demand for rail transport and to maximise the line’s capacity.

The railway will start in Lao Cai, connecting to China’s railway network and end at Cai Lan Station in Ha Long city, Quang Ninh province.

The railway spans a total length of 447.66 km, with segments divided as follows: 64.82km in Lao Cai, 76.95km in Yen Bai, 60.05km in Phu Tho, 41.75km in Vinh Phuc, 40.93km in Ha Noi and Bac Ninh, 18.57km in Hung Yen, 40.97km in Hai Duong, 81.66km in Hai Phong and 36.62km in Quang Ninh.

There will be 41 stations along the line, with Lao Cai serving as a departure station and international interchange. Four key freight stations will include Lach Huyen Port, Nam Do Son, Nam Dinh Vu and Dinh Vu.

The estimated capital needed for this project, through 2050, is VND183.85 trillion ($7.27 billion).

Based on traffic demand and major construction requirements, the VRA proposed launching the Lao Cai-Ha Noi-Hai Phong section by 2030. The Hai Phong-Quang Ninh section would follow after 2030, aligning with the development of a coastal railway from Nam Dinh to Quang Ninh.

To fund the railway, the VRA suggested using a combination of central budget funds, preferential loans and social capital.

TB (according to VNS)