Vietnam eyes nine new rail routes by 2030

Vietnam plans to have nine new railway routes, running 2,362 kilometers, by 2030 as it seeks to upgrade its outdated transport network.

The total capital needed for these projects accumulates to VND240 trillion ($10.3 million), set to come from state coffers and private investors.

The biggest route would run from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, covering 1,545 kilometers, according to the government’s approved plan for the 2021-2030 period.

The Ministry of Transport has proposed that two sections be prioritized on this route: from Hanoi to the central city of Vinh and HCMC to the central town of Nha Trang.

There will be three routes in the north, connecting Hanoi with tourist hotspot Ha Long and with port city Hai Phong. Another route will run along the eastern boundary of the capital.

One route is planned for the central region, connecting Vung Ang Port in Ha Tinh Province with the Laos border.

There will be four routes in the south, with one connecting Bien Hoa town in Dong Nai Province with Vung Tau Province. Two routes will connect HCMC with Can Tho City and the Cambodia border. The remaining route would connect HCMC’s Thu Thiem Station with Long Thanh International Airport in Dong Nai.

The railway sector targets to transport 11.8 million tons of goods a year by 2030, or 0.27 percent of total goods transported.

It eyes to carry 460 million passengers or 4.4 percent.

By 2050, the country is set to have 25 rail routes covering 6,354 kilometers. It now has seven routes covering 2,440 kilometers.

Vietnam’s railway network has not received major upgrades for decades and has lost its competitiveness to roads and aviation, which are preferred for speed and convenience.