First Joint Meeting of the Vietnam-China Railway Cooperation Committee Scheduled for September
Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha has tasked the Ministry of Construction and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with coordinating efforts to ensure the successful organization of the first joint meeting of the Vietnam-China Railway Cooperation Committee in September. The meeting will focus on discussions related to the Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong railway project, as reported by Phap Luat TP.HCM.
The government emphasizes that the railway lines connecting Vietnam and China must include technical plans for rail alignment and an agreement for the construction of a cross-border railway bridge. These measures are essential to ensure interoperability between Vietnam and China, as well as with international transport networks. Deputy Prime Minister Ha underscored these requirements as critical for implementing high-level leadership decisions and maximizing project investment efficiency.
Route of the Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong railway with a gauge of 1,435mm. Graphic: Nguyen Tuong/Kinh tế & Tiêu dùng
Additionally, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has been instructed to guide local authorities in implementing compensation, resettlement support, and land clearance for the Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong railway project, in accordance with the special mechanisms and policies approved by the National Assembly.
Previously, in Notification No. 483/TB-VPCP dated September 15, 2025, the Prime Minister directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Construction to proactively collaborate with Chinese counterparts to prepare for the first joint meeting. Key agenda items include discussions on rail alignment agreements, designation of technical design consultants, technology transfer requirements, and workforce training.
The Prime Minister also mandated that the groundbreaking ceremony for the Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong railway project must take place on December 19, 2025. The Ministry of Construction has been tasked with expediting the feasibility study report to ensure the project’s components commence on schedule.
The Vietnam-China Railway Cooperation Committee will hold its inaugural meeting this September. AI-generated illustration by ChatGPT
Planning Details for the Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong Railway Line
The proposed project begins at the rail connection point between Lao Cai Station in Vietnam and Hekou North Station in China, terminating at Lach Huyen Port in Hai Phong. The total length of the line is 388 km, including a 383 km stretch from Lao Cai Station to Lach Huyen Port and a 5.1 km rail connection segment from Lao Cai Station. Additionally, there are two branch lines: a 7.8 km line from Nam Hai Phong Port to Nam Dinh Vu and a 2.1 km line connecting Yen Thuong Station to Yen Vien Station.
The route will feature 30 stations, including 3 train formation stations, 19 mixed-use stations, and 8 technical stations, spanning 9 provinces: Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Phu Tho, Vinh Phuc, Hanoi, Bac Ninh, Hung Yen, Hai Duong, and Hai Phong.
The Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong railway will include 30 stations. AI-generated illustration by ChatGPT
The design speed for the main line from Lao Cai Station to Lach Huyen Port is 160 km/h, with speeds of 80 km/h for the Lao Cai segment and branch lines, and 120 km/h for the section running through Hanoi, which parallels the city’s eastern ring railway.
To ensure project efficiency, the Management Board plans a two-phase investment approach. Phase one, from now until 2030, involves constructing a single-track line from Lao Cai to Hanoi and Hai Phong, along with land clearance. Phase two, post-2050, will focus on building double-track sections and completing the branch line from Nam Hai Phong to Nam Dinh Vu.
The total estimated cost is approximately 211.03 trillion VND (equivalent to 8.37 billion USD at the time of reporting). This includes 135.6 trillion VND in concessional loans for construction, equipment procurement, consulting services, construction supervision, and contingencies, as well as 75.43 trillion VND in government counterpart funding for project management, VAT, compensation, resettlement support, and interest payments.
The railway will connect to Hai Phong International Seaport, facilitating international intermodal transport with China and meeting high-quality, fast, convenient, and safe transportation demands. As a result, the Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong railway project has garnered significant attention from the leaders of both Vietnam and China, positioning it as a priority strategic investment.
Upon completion, the Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong railway will play a pivotal role in the international transport network. It will serve as a critical link in the Asia-Europe intermodal railway system, enabling the movement of goods between China and Vietnam, and further to global markets. This will establish Vietnam as a key transshipment hub in the Asia-Pacific supply chain.
“Get Ready for the Highly-Anticipated Launch of the Laos Cai – Hanoi – Haiphong Railway Project”
“The Prime Minister has instructed the Ministry of Construction to expedite the preparation of a feasibility report for the commencement of the Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong railway project by December 19th. This ambitious undertaking promises to revolutionize transportation across these key provinces, offering enhanced connectivity and unprecedented efficiency in freight and passenger travel.”
The Premier’s Charge to Phu Tho Province
“In a bid to fast-track the crucial Laos Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong railway project, the Prime Minister has directed Phu Tho province to devise a standalone land clearance and resettlement proposal. This directive underscores the government’s commitment to expediting this vital transportation corridor. With a targeted land clearance commencement date of August 19, the province is now tasked with formulating a comprehensive plan to swiftly and efficiently manage the land acquisition and resettlement process, ensuring a smooth path forward for this ambitious railway endeavor.”
The $11 Billion Rail Link Between Vietnam and China: A Timeline for this 380km Mega Project
The Ministry of Transport aims to commence construction on the ambitious 11 billion USD railway project, connecting Hanoi to the Vietnam-China border, as soon as possible. This ambitious project underscores the Ministry’s commitment to enhancing the country’s transport infrastructure and connectivity with its northern neighbor. With a hefty price tag, the new railway line is envisioned to bolster trade, tourism, and economic growth in the region.
