Implementing the Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong railway construction project is an important and urgent political task, requiring strong determination from both central and local authorities to commence work and complete it for operation as soon as possible.
This was the consensus among voters in Hai Phong city following the extraordinary 9th session of the 15th National Assembly on February 15.
Train crossing Duong BridgeTrain crossing Duong Bridge. (Source: TTXVN).
Creating a ripple effect to boost socio-economic development
Director of Hai Phong Department of Transport, Vu Duy Tung, shared that given the crucial and urgent nature of the project, the Hai Phong People’s Committee has expedited drafting a proposal for the City People’s Council to approve funding from the city’s budget to implement the Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong railway construction project (within Hai Phong city).
Hai Phong also recognizes that implementing the project will have a significant impact on the city’s socio-economic development, contributing to the gradual modernization and synchronization of rail transport, thereby creating a ripple effect to boost rapid and sustainable socio-economic growth, aligning with the objectives outlined in Conclusion No. 49-KL/TW dated February 28, 2023, by the Politburo.
Hai Phong evaluates that the project will meet the transportation needs for passengers and goods along the East-West corridor, serving as a gateway for global trade through major seaports in the Hai Phong area, as well as connecting international railway transport at the Lao Cai border gate.
In conjunction with the robust development of the Lach Huyen international gateway port, the system of inland waterway ports, and air routes, developing rail transport on the East-West economic corridor “Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong” is essential for the period up to 2030 and the vision to 2050.
Promoting the strategic development of Vietnam’s “Two corridors, one economic belt” and China’s “Belt and Road Initiative,” boosting trade between Vietnam and China.
Forming a rail link connecting East Asia-Central Asia-Europe. Creating new development spaces, accelerating urbanization and labor along the corridor, increasing the competitiveness of the economy, and driving industrial, tourism, and service development.
Moreover, this is a sustainable, modern, and eco-friendly mode of transport, contributing to reducing traffic accidents, environmental pollution, responding to climate change, and ensuring national defense and security. It aligns with the orientation towards green energy transition, reducing carbon and methane emissions in the transport sector as issued by the Prime Minister in Decision No. 876/QD-TTg on July 22, 2022, and by Hai Phong People’s Committee in Decision 3962/QD-UBND on November 24, 2022, regarding the action program for green energy transition, reducing carbon and methane emissions in the transport sector.
According to the proposal for the City People’s Council to approve funding from the city’s budget to implement the Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong railway construction project (through Hai Phong city), to synchronize with the planning contents in the Master Plan for Hai Phong city to 2040, with a vision to 2050 approved by the Prime Minister, and the Hai Phong city plan for the 2021-2030 period, with a vision to 2050 approved by the Prime Minister, the progress of building Nam Do Son port area and the coastal economic zone south of Hai Phong city (established by the Prime Minister in Decision No. 1511/QD-TTg on December 4, 2024), the People’s Committee of the city proposed that Hai Phong contribute a total of approximately 10.96 trillion VND to the project’s capital managed by the Ministry of Transport to carry out site clearance within the city (both phases) and construct the Nam Hai Phong-Nam Do Son branch line before 2030, spanning 12.63 km.
High synchronization needed to maximize project efficiency
Mr. Tran Tien Dung, Chairman of the Hai Phong Logistics Association, shared that logistics businesses in Hai Phong are highly anticipating the early approval and commencement of the Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong railway construction project by the National Assembly.
Upon completion, the project will significantly and sustainably contribute to trade between Vietnam and China, strengthening the political and cultural ties between the two nations. Additionally, the project will positively enhance domestic connectivity and transportation capabilities in Vietnam.
Logistics communities in Hai Phong city and surrounding areas are thrilled to hear about the implementation of the Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong railway construction project.
Currently, businesses located in areas along the railway route are incurring high logistics costs due to road transport methods, coupled with extended transport times due to traffic congestion.
With this project, businesses expect greater transport capacity, reduced transport times, and lower logistics costs.
Furthermore, when the railway line becomes operational, it will help reduce carbon emissions from commonly used road transport vehicles, thereby making it easier for Vietnamese businesses to access demanding global markets.
Also, according to Mr. Tran Tien Dung, with such high expectations, businesses request and hope that all levels of government will study and introduce synchronized policies to maximize the project’s effectiveness.
Specifically, along the entire line and corridor, Mr. Dung suggests that the state consider establishing dry ports to enable businesses in various provinces to handle customs procedures locally, avoiding two-way transportation and further reducing transport costs.
