VIETNAM’s government is to prioritise the construction of two high-speed lines in north Vietnam before 2030, including a cross-border line to China.
According to local media outlet VN Express International, the two lines are:
- Hanoi - Lang Son, that will extend to the Chinese border, and
- Hanoi - Sa Pa City in Lao Cai province, via the port city of Hai Phong and Ha Long Bay in Quang Ninh province.
Both lines will become part of Vietnam’s north-south high-speed rail network.
The government announced its decision on April 8 as part of a broader strategy for development of the Red River Delta that seeks to enhance transport infrastructure, reduce congestion and promote economic growth.
The Hanoi - Lang Son high-speed line has been proposed several times before and deputy prime minister, Mr Tran Hong Ha, has previously called for the development of a “synchronised, modern” north-south high-speed rail network, with speeds of up to 350km/h.
A feasibility study for a north-south high-speed line prepared by the transport ministry in 2019 suggested operating speed should be limited to 320km/h.
However, at the end of 2022 another study proposed that the new line should carry both passengers and freight at speeds of up to 225km/h and 160km/h, respectively.
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