The project, funded entirely by public investment, is expected to be completed by 2030.
Vietnam's National Assembly has approved the construction of a new railway linking Lao Cai to Hai Phong to improve both domestic transport and international trade with China. The 390.9 km railway will be a key component of the Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong Economic Corridor. It will also improve connectivity with existing railway networks.
The project, designed as a single-track 1,435 mm gauge railway, will support both passenger and freight services. Trains will operate at speeds of up to 160 km/h on the main line. The speed limit will be lower in urban and regional areas. The total cost of the project is estimated at VND 203.2 trillion (over $8.3 billion). It will be financed entirely by public investment. Feasibility studies are expected to finish in 2025, with construction expected to finish in 2030.
During the discussions, comparisons were made between this railway and Laos' Vientiane - Boten railway. The latter cost $5.96 billion for a similar length. Vietnam's Ministry of Transport noted that the estimated cost per kilometre was in line with regional standards. However, there would be variations depending on terrain, technology and safety requirements.
The project is expected to strengthen Vietnam's position as a regional trade hub. It will facilitate seamless rail transport between major economic centres and international markets.
Image source: railmarket.com