The railway, spanning 390.9 km with an additional 27.9 km of branch lines, will connect nine provinces and cities, serving as a key transport corridor linking the northern region to major trade hubs.

The high-speed railway is expected to improve connectivity, logistics, and trade between Vietnam and China, as well as enhance access to Hai Phong Port.

In its latest submission on February 7, the ministry outlined changes from a previous proposal dated January 20, which had set the total investment at 194.929 trillion VND (about $8.027 billion).

The railway will begin at the Lao Cai New Station, linking to Ha Khau North Station in China, and extend to the Lach Huyen port area in Hai Phong.

The main line will span 390.9 km, with an additional 27.9 km of branch lines, passing through nine provinces and cities, including Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Phu Tho, Vinh Phuc, Hanoi, Bac Ninh, Hung Yen, Hai Duong, and Hai Phong.

The Lao Cai - Hanoi - Hai Phong railway will be a standard gauge (1,435mm) railway classified as a Class 1 railway, with a design speed of 160 km/h on the main line (excluding Hanoi’s urban areas), 120 km/h through Hanoi, and 80 km/h on connecting and branch lines.

The entire route is expected to feature 18 stations, including three major stations for train operations in Lao Cai, Yen Thuong, and Nam Hai Phong, along with 15 mixed-use stations. Additionally, 14 technical operation hubs will be built to support train operations.

The Lao Cai - Hanoi - Hai Phong railway is seen as a strategic infrastructure project, designed to enhance regional connectivity, boost trade between Vietnam and China, and improve transportation efficiency along Vietnam’s northern economic corridor.

N. Huyen