Hung Yen (VNA) – Minister of Construction Tran Hong Minh on July 24 visited Dai Dong commune in the northern province of Hung Yen to inspect the implementation of the Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong railway's section running through the province.
The strategic infrastructure project is considered vital for enhancing regional connectivity and boosting socio-economic development in northern Vietnam and the country as a whole.
At the working session with provincial leaders, Minh stressed the importance of keeping to the timeline and urged Hung Yen to expedite preparatory work.
Specifically, by August 19, the province must complete site preparation for land clearance; by December 19, construction must commence simultaneously on all stations and linking roads; and by 2026, work should begin on the full stretch of railway running through the province.
To ensure progress, the minister directed the project management board, consulting units, and relevant departments of the Ministry of Construction to promptly hand over all required land areas to the local authorities for clearance.
Highlighting a heavy workload ahead, particularly in terms of land clearance, Minh emphasised the need to follow legal procedures strictly and ensure transparency and fairness in compensation and resettlement. The goal, he said, is to provide stable and decent living conditions for affected households in newly developed resettlement areas.
A representative from Hung Yen province's Construction Department reports Minister of Construction Tran Hong Minh about the implementation of the Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong railway's section running through the province. (Photo: VNA)
He suggested that provincial and sectoral leaders increase field inspections and review all clearance procedures. They must also clearly inform residents about compensation rates and support for structures and assets on reclaimed land. Once the necessary conditions are met, compensation and support policies should be swiftly implemented to ensure public understanding and support.
During the meeting, Minh also acknowledged the province’s proposals to upgrade several existing roads and waterways to support construction and improve connectivity with the railway. He requested that the province urgently compile a list of routes needing expansion or upgrading and submit it to relevant ministries and agencies before August 15, so that funding can be proposed to the central government for allocation.
According to the Hung Yen province Department of Construction, the Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong railway will run approximately 16.7 km through the province, starting from Lac Dao commune (bordering Bac Ninh province) and ending in Thuong Hong ward (bordering Hai Phong city).
The route intersects with the Hanoi Capital Region's Ring Road 4 and crosses provincial road 385 near the ĐH.13 intersection. It then runs parallel to the existing Gia Lam – Hai Phong railway line, passing through Dai Dong commune where Luong Tai station is planned. From there, the route continues southeast into Hai Phong.
In Hung Yen, the project will include one mixed-use station – Luong Tai station – designed to handle both passengers and cargo. It is proposed to have eight tracks, including six with a standard gauge of 1,435 mm and two with a gauge of 1,000 mm, covering a site of approximately 10.6 ha.
The total land area in Hung Yen expected to be recovered for the project is about 86.09 hectares, including 10.53 ha for resettlement zones and 2.2 ha for education land restitution. The province plans to build four resettlement areas spanning10.53 ha to relocate 92 affected households.
The provincial Party Committee has listed the railway project as one of Hung Yen’s key priority infrastructure projects for the 2021-2025 period.
The new railway will span approximately 390.9 km for the main route, with 27.9 km of branch lines. The project will pass through the nine localities of Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Phu Tho, Vinh Phuc, Hanoi, Bac Ninh, Hung Yen, Hai Duong, and Hai Phong. Starting at the border crossing point in Lao Cai province, the line will terminate at Lach Huyen Station in Hai Phong City.
The project, whose construction is expected to begin in late 2025, entails constructing a new single-track rail line with a 1,435mm gauge, designed to accommodate both passenger and freight services. The main route, from new Lao Cai Station to Nam Hai Phong Station, will be designed for speeds of up to 160 km/h. Sections through Hanoi will operate at 120 km/h, while the remaining parts will run at 80 km/h.
The project is estimated to have a total investment of approximately 194.9 trillion VND (7.6 billion USD)./.
