Vietnam’s planned Lao Cai - Hanoi - Hai Phong railway project is moving forward, with construction expected to begin by the end of 2025. The project dossier is set to be submitted to the National Assembly before February 10, according to the latest updates from the Ministry of Transport (MoT).

During the February 3 monthly review meeting, the Department of Planning and Investment (under MoT) announced that the pre-feasibility study report had been submitted to the Prime Minister for review.

According to the timeline, the project dossier will be finalized and submitted to the government on February 7 and to the National Assembly before February 10.

The National Assembly will review and issue a resolution before February 17.

The feasibility study is expected to be approved in Q3 2025.

Technical designs and contractor selection for the first construction package will be completed in late 2025, leading to groundbreaking by year-end.

A strategic railway linking nine provinces

The Lao Cai - Hanoi - Hai Phong railway will span over 403 km, passing through nine provinces and cities: Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Phu Tho, Vinh Phuc, Hanoi, Bac Ninh, Hung Yen, Hai Duong, and Hai Phong.

Starting point: The railway will connect with Hekou North Station (China) via the new Lao Cai Station in Lao Cai City.

End point: The railway will terminate at Lach Huyen Port in Hai Phong City.

The project is divided into two investment phases:

Phase 1 (by 2030): Construction of a single-track railway from Lao Cai to Lach Huyen Port.

Development of key infrastructure, including the main railway line and the Lao Cai - Hekou North connection.

A branch line from Nam Dinh Vu Station to Dinh Vu Station.

Land clearance for future double-track expansion.

Phase 2 (post-2050): Completion of a double-track railway for the entire route.

Addition of new stations and construction of a Nam Hai Phong - Nam Do Son branch line.

Projected investment and approval process
The estimated total investment for Phase 1 is 192.9 trillion VND ($8 billion).

To ensure a thorough evaluation, the Minister of Transport signed a decision in mid-January establishing an internal evaluation council for the pre-feasibility study.

This council is responsible for: Reviewing all aspects of the project feasibility study.

Ensuring compliance with government regulations before submission to the Prime Minister.

The council includes 19 members, comprising: Senior officials from MoT’s various departments.

Representatives from the Vietnam Railway Corporation.

Experts from leading transportation research institutes.

With a crucial role in northern Vietnam’s economic and trade network, the Lao Cai - Hanoi - Hai Phong railway is expected to significantly enhance logistics connectivity, particularly for cross-border trade with China.

N. Huyen