Vingroup recently submitted a proposal to authorities to invest in and construct a high-speed rail line between Hanoi and Quang Ninh province. The company also requested that this line be incorporated into the national railway network plan for 2021-2030, with a vision towards 2050.
The proposed Hanoi - Quang Ninh line would operate passenger trains exclusively on a standard gauge (1,435 mm) track, electrified for speeds up to 350 km/h. The line would begin at the National Exhibition Construction Center in Hanoi and terminate at the forest park in Dai Yen ward, Quang Ninh province, covering a total distance of 120.9 km.
Vingroup has suggested two route options within Hanoi. The first would run alongside the connecting road between Tu Lien bridge and the Gia Binh airport link in Bac Ninh province. The second option would follow the same initial path from Tu Lien bridge but then turn right, utilizing the existing railway and passing through Yen Vien station, along urban railway line 9, crossing the Duong river before joining the Gia Binh airport link.
From Co Loa station in Hanoi, both routes would follow the Gia Binh airport link, continuing through Hai Duong province to Yen Tu in Quang Ninh province, and finally reaching the forest park in Dai Yen ward.
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An unfinished railway bridge over the Thai Binh river, part of the Yen Vien - Pha Lai - Ha Long - Cai Lan railway project. Photo: Pham Chieu |
An unfinished railway bridge over the Thai Binh river, part of the Yen Vien - Pha Lai - Ha Long - Cai Lan railway project. Photo: Pham Chieu
The Hanoi - Quang Ninh line is planned to include 4 stations: Co Loa, Gia Binh, Yen Tu, and Ha Long. If the route through Yen Vien is chosen, Yen Vien station will be added. The project is estimated to require 308 hectares of land and an investment of approximately 5.4 billion USD (133,175 trillion VND), with a target completion date of 2030.
Following Vingroup's proposal, the Ministry of Construction has requested the Vietnam Railways Administration to review the proposal and assess the planning of the Hanoi - Quang Ninh railway line. The Administration has been asked to update and clarify new relevant factors, such as the development of Gia Binh international airport and adjustments to local administrative boundaries, to determine the necessity, feasibility, and effectiveness of the proposed Hanoi - Quang Ninh railway line.
The Vietnam Railways Administration will also need to consider the integration of the national railway network, urban railways, urban areas, cultural and historical sites, and tourist attractions along the route to ensure overall consistency and efficiency.
Currently, the Yen Vien - Lim - Pha Lai - Ha Long - Cai Lan railway line is planned for the Hanoi - Quang Ninh corridor. Designed for both freight and passenger transport at speeds of 120 km/h, this project was initiated in 2008 but halted in 2011 due to lack of funding.
Anh Duy
