The Ministry of Transport (MoT) has recently responded to the Dong Thap Provincial National Assembly Delegation, addressing the voters’ proposal to consider investing in the construction of a railway line connecting the Mekong Delta region with Ho Chi Minh City and other areas to facilitate transportation, cargo transportation, and promote economic and social development in the region.
In agreement with the voters’ proposal, the MoT mentioned that according to the plan, the Ho Chi Minh City – Can Tho railway line has a length of about 174 kilometers, passing through 6 provinces/cities; double track, with a gauge of 1,435 mm, and its research and investment route will be completed before 2030.
This project plays a crucial role in connecting the key economic center in the South with the key economic center of the Mekong Delta region, enhancing competitiveness, supporting the supply of goods from the region to the market, and more.
Project route direction. |
In line with the Party’s directions and planning, the MoT has assigned the Project Management Board of the railway as the investor, allocated funds to prepare the feasibility study report, and is currently focusing on expediting the progress of preparing the feasibility study report for the project.
“This is a large-scale project (with a preliminary estimated total investment amount of around 7 billion USD), involving complex technology and techniques, therefore it needs to be studied carefully, comprehensively, objectively, scientifically, and particularly balanced in resource allocation. The MoT will strive to complete the feasibility study report, submit it to authorized agencies as a basis for mobilizing resources and implementing the project before 2030,” said the MoT.
The Ho Chi Minh City – Can Tho railway project has a consortium of consulting firms, including TEDI South Company Limited, Transport Investment and Construction Consulting Company (TRICC), and Transport Design Consultancy Joint Stock Company (TEDI).
The project starts at An Binh Station (An Binh Ward, Di An City, Binh Duong Province) and ends at Can Tho Station (Phu Thu Ward, Cai Rang District, Can Tho City). The project spans 6 provinces and cities (Binh Duong, Ho Chi Minh City, Long An, Tien Giang, Vinh Long, Can Tho), with a total of 13 stations.
The railway is designed according to double-track standards, with a gauge of 1,435mm, electric traction, and a maximum speed of 200km/h for passenger trains and 120km/h for freight trains. In terms of technology, distributed power locomotives are used for passenger trains, while centralized power locomotives are used for freight trains.
The feasibility study report is expected to be submitted to the competent authorities for resolution in 2024 and completed for submission to the Prime Minister and the National Assembly in 2025. The project is planned to be reviewed for investment approval and commencement before 2030, with completion expected before 2035.
By Cảnh Kỳ
