Transport ministry urged to start construction of railway connecting with China next year

Pham made the request at the Cabinet meeting held in Ha Noi on Sunday.

The railway line, stretching more than 417 kilometers through nine cities and provinces, namely Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Phu Tho, Vinh Phuc, Ha Noi, Bac Ninh, Hung Yen, Hai Duong and Hai Phong.

There will be 36 stations along the line, with Lao Cai serving as a departure station and international interchange.

The Ministry of Transport is currently preparing the pre-feasibility report for the project with an estimated investment of US$11 billion.

On November 6, at a meeting between Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Chairman of the China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC) Dai Hegen, the Vietnamese Government leader noted the project will serve as a vital railway link between Viet Nam and China, advancing the Belt and Road Initiative.

"This project will also provide Yunnan with faster access to the sea while supporting socio-economic development and poverty alleviation in Viet Nam's northern border provinces," Pham added.

In addition to the Lao Cai-Ha Noi-Hai Phong line, Pham suggested CRCC explore the possibility of participating in other major infrastructure projects in Viet Nam, such as the Ha Noi-Lang Son railway, the Mong Cai-Ha Long-Hai Phong railway, the North-South high-speed railway, and expressway projects linking border provinces with China./.