The Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong Railway is a proposed upgrade of the current railway along the same route. The original line is a metre-gauge railway that was built by France to connect Kunming in China to the port in Haiphong.
The new line would be a standard-gauge railway that will be connected to the standard-gauge railway from Kunming to Hekou on the China-Vietnam border. The line will carry passenger and cargo rail, with a top speed of 160 km/h. Construction is expected to commence at the end of 2025.
Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong Railway Map
[Map of Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong Railway.]
Links and Resources
Viet Nam: Greater Mekong Subregion Kunming–Hai Phong Transport Corridor: Yen Vien–Lao Cai Railway Upgrading Project
Evaluation Document – 21 December 2017.
News Archive
2025
Vietnam approves railway project to link to China, ‘a step forward to form Pan-Asia transport network’ – [20/02/25]
NA approves investment policy for $8.4-billion Lào Cai-Hà Nội-Hải Phòng railway project – [19/02/25]
” The National Assembly adopted a resolution on the investment policy of the Lào Cai-Hà Nội-Hải Phòng railway project, with 455 out of 459 participating deputies voting in favour, at the 9th extraordinary session on Wednesday.”
Vietnam to use Chinese loans for $8.3 billion railway linking both countries – [13/02/25]
Vietnam moves forward with $8.3 billion railway project linking to China – [11/02/25]
“The Standing Committee of the National Assembly has approved the government’s proposal to submit for parliamentary consideration an investment policy for the Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong railway project, which will connect with China and is estimated to cost $8.369 billion.”
Vietnam-China railway to create $4.4B construction market – [11/02/25]
“The Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong railway that connects northern Vietnam with China is expected to create a construction market worth US$4.4 billion with 90,000 jobs.”
$8 billion rail project set to transform transport landscape – [06/02/25]
“The $8 billion Lao Cai-Hanoi-Haiphong railway is set to transform Vietnam’s transport landscape, creating a $4.4 billion construction market and generating around 90,000 jobs during its development phase.”
Proposing a series of special mechanisms for the Lao Cai – Hanoi railway – [03/02/25]
“A series of specific policies have been researched and proposed by the Ministry of Transport to implement investment and construction, striving to bring the Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong railway line to the finish line before 2030.”
$8 billion Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong railway set to break ground by year-end – [03/02/25]
$8bln railway project linking 9 northern Vietnam localities set for 2031 completion – [11/01/25]
“The Transport Ministry of Vietnam is collecting feedback from relevant agencies on a pre-feasibility study of a railway project linking nine northern provinces and cities, with a total investment of VND205.9 trillion (US$8.1 billion).”
Vietnam proposes $8.7 billion Lao Cai–Hanoi–Hai Phong railway – [08/01/25]
“The Ministry of Transport has unveiled a $8.7 billion plan for a railway linking Lao Cai, Hanoi, and Hai Phong, with construction expected to begin by late 2025.”
2024
Vietnam explores shortest route for Lao Cai-Hanoi-Haiphong railway – [23/12/24]
Vietnam to start construction of new railway linking with China by end-2025 – [23/12/24]
Lào Cai-Hà Nội-Hải Phòng railway line to start construction in 2025 – [17/12/24]
“As requested by the Government, the ministry must disburse at least 95 per cent of the capital in 2024, which means about VNĐ23 trillion needs to be allocated in the remaining month of the year.”
Vietnam and China agree to build three key railway lines – [11/22/24]
“The agreement between the two governments to cooperate on the Lao Cai–Hanoi–Hai Phong, Lang Son–Hanoi, and Mong Cai–Ha Long–Hai Phong railway projects is seen as a major step forward in infrastructure development.”
President Xi Jinping hastens construction of 3 Vietnam-China rail routes – [19/11/24]
“Construction on the Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong route is expected to start in mid-2027, according to the ministry.”
Transport ministry urged to start construction of railway connecting with China next year – [10/11/24]
Chinese firm bids to join $10bn railway project connecting Vietnam with China – [08/11/24]
“Chairman of the China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC) Dai Hegen has expressed his wish to Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh to join in a large-scale project designed to connect three northern Vietnamese localities with Kunming City in southern China.”
“PM Chinh told the CRCC leader that this project is expected to begin in December 2025 and take three years to finish.”
Vietnam invites China railway builder to join project linking 2 nations, begin in 2025 – [07/11/24]
“Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has urged China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC) to join the railway project linking the two nations, with an aim to start the construction in 2025.
Chinh made the statement at a Wednesday meeting with CRCC’s leadership in Kunming, Yunnan province, on the sidelines of his China trip to attend the eighth Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) Summit and other events.”
Investment and construction project of Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong railway line – [02/11/24]
PM requests prioritized investment into railways linking with China – [24/10/24]
“He suggested the two sides continue enhancing high-level exchanges and meetings, and foster practical collaboration in all areas, particularly pushing ahead the construction of the three standard-gauge railways of Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong, Lang Son – Hanoi, and Mong Cai – Ha Long – Hai Phong to promote connectivity between the two economies.”
Vietnam estimates cost of new railway link with China at $7.2 billion – [21/10/24]
“Construction of the railway is expected to begin in 2030, it said, adding that transportation demand along this railway link is estimated at 8.3 million passengers and 17.5 million metric tons of cargo a year by 2050.”
7.2 billion USD railway project ready for planning appraisal – [16/10/24]
“The Vietnam Railway Authority has asked the Ministry of Transport for a planning appraisal of the Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong-Quang Ninh railway line.”
Appraisal of North-South express railway must be completed before October 18 – [07/10/24]
“As for railway projects connecting with China, namely Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong, Hanoi – Dong Dang, Mong Cai – Ha Long – Hai Phong, the Government required the Ministry of Transport to preside over and coordinate with relevant ministries and agencies to urgently study the investment and construction of the railway project in accordance with the Prime Minister’s directives.
Of these, the Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong railway line is a priority for construction in 2025.”
VN pushes for rapid progress on Lao Cai-Hanoi-Haiphong railway with China’s help – [25/09/24]
“During a series of high-level talks in Nanning, China, Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Ho Duc Phoc solicited China’s active support for the feasibility study of the standard-gauge railway line connecting Lao Cai, Hanoi, and Hai Phong.”
Major railway project in northern region to start construction in 2027 – [13/09/24]
“A 380-kilometer railway project linking Lao Cai, Hanoi, and Haiphong in northern Vietnam is expected to gain approval by 2025, with construction slated to start in 2027”.
Vietnam Party chief welcomes China’s engagement in 3 railway projects – [20/08/24]
“…Li showed China’s readiness to improve the rail linkage between Vietnam and Europe via China and accelerate the feasibility study of the Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong railway. In addition, he agreed to make planning for the Dong Dang-Hanoi and Mong Cai-Ha Long-Hai Phong railways.”
Vietnam plans 3 railway links with China under Belt and Road Initiative – [27/06/24]
“Speaking at the Vietnam-China strategic transport infrastructure development cooperation conference held in Beijing, Chinh said the three railway routes under consideration are Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong, Lang Son-Hanoi, and Mong Cai-Ha Long-Hai Phong.”
Chinese giants keen on Vietnam metro railway projects – [25/06/24]
“Chinh also mentioned current bilateral cooperation in building transnational railway routes, including one connecting Hanoi, Lao Cai province and Hai Phong city; another linking Lang Son province and Hanoi; and yet another between Quang Ninh province and Hai Phong city.”
‘Determined to implement the Northern high-speed railway project – [25/06/24]
“The government is directing 3 railway projects connecting with China, hoping that by mid-2025, the two sides can deploy the first project Lao Cai – Hai Phong. Related to standard gauge railway projects, especially connecting from seaports to economic zones, connecting airports, ports and border gates. We hope businesses will invest in the form of PPP, so we hope the Group will learn to cooperate in the future.”
Vietnam encourages Chinese investment in railway, energy projects – [24/06/24]
“In particular, the two sides agreed to connect standard gauge railways across the border by developing standard gauge railway routes of Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong; Dong Dang – Hanoi; and Mong Cai – Ha Long – Hai Phong, so as to create an important infrastructure system to promote bilateral economic and trade cooperation.”
Vietnam aims to start work on high-speed rail lines to China by 2030 – [10/04/24]
“One of the planned high-speed lines would run from Vietnam’s port cities of Hai Phong and Quang Ninh through Hanoi to Lao Cai province, which borders China’s Yunnan province, the ministry said in a statement released late on Tuesday.”
Design of a new railway from Lao Cai to Quang Ninh with a speed of up to 160km/h – [05/03/24]
“The Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong – Quang Ninh railway was researched and planned for all sections and stations on the route, with the starting point being Lao Cai station (from the point connecting the rails with the Chinese railway), The end is Ha Long station (belonging to the Kep – Ha Long railway) and sections passing through 10 provinces/cities (Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Phu Tho, Vinh Phuc, Hanoi, Bac Ninh, Hung Yen, Hai Duong , Hai Phong and Quang Ninh). Research scope until 2030, vision to 2050.”
[The Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong – Quang Ninh railway route is expected to pass through Hai Phong city.]
2023
China railway plans to test Vietnam’s foreign policy equilibrium – [18/12/23]
“The Kunming-Haiphong railway runs directly through Vietnam’s most significant deposits of rare earth minerals.”
Vietnam, China to enhance railway connectivity under Belt Road Initiative – [14/12/23]
“The two governments will promote a 1.435m- gauge railway across the Vietnam-China border, study and push for the Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong standard-gauge line. The port city of Hai Phong is Vietnam’s international gateway in the northern region.”
Vietnam, China should boost rail links, lift tourism to pre-pandemic level: Deputy PM – [01/12/23]
“Chairman of China Railway Chen Yun Chen said the corporation would like to engage in the construction of railways in Vietnam, notably the Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong route linking to the Kunming-Hanoi-Hai Phong economic corridor.”
China, Vietnam weigh rail link through rare earths heartland – [01/12/23]
“Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh called for the upgrade of the railway linking Kunming in southern China to Vietnam’s port city of Haiphong in a statement released last month, after China’s Commerce Minister Wang Wentao made a rare visit to Vietnam.”
Vietnamese PM suggests expanding Vietnam-China bilateral trade – [26/11/23]
“PM Chinh also suggested enhancing traffic connectivity between the two countries, including the upgrade of a railway connecting China’s Kunming and Vietnam’s Lao Cai Province, Hanoi, and Hai Phong City.”
Concentrate human resources to implement the 11 billion USD railway project connecting to China – [29/10/23]
“Previously, the Ministry of Transport assigned the Railway Project Management Board as the investor to prepare a pre-feasibility study report for the Hai Phong – Hanoi – Lao Cai railway project and connection with China.”
China Railway Group expresses interests in building Việt Nam’s railways – [16/09/23]
“He suggested the China Railway continue working with relevant Vietnamese ministries and localities to develop new projects in Việt Nam, including the Lào Cai-Hà Nội-Hải Phòng express railway linking with the Kunming-Hà Nội-Hải Phòng economic corridor.”
Planning underway for 440-kilometer railway linking Hanoi with northern provinces – [08/09/23]
“Designed for a speed of 160 kilometers per hour, the railway will start in Lao Cai Province, traverse Yen Bai, Phu Tho, Vinh Phuc, Hanoi, Hung Yen, Hai Duong, Haiphong, and end at the Cai Lan Port in Quang Ninh.”
US$17 billion needed to build railway connecting to seaports – [18/07/23]
“…the detailed planning of the 380km-long Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong project has been basically completed at a cost of about 11 billion USD.’
National railway investment requiring foreign push – [15/03/23]
“East Japan Railway Company (JR East), Japan’s largest rail operator, has expressed interest to the Ministry of Transport (MoT) about upgrading and renovating the Hanoi-Haiphong railway line, as well as building the route to Haiphong Port.”
“Under the plan, the Hanoi-Haiphong route will be upgraded. The long railway to Haiphong port connecting with Lach Huyen port and Dinh Vu port, worth about $1.5 billion, has also been included in the list of projects seeking foreign investment.”
“The Hanoi-Haiphong railway will be 102km long and will be developed as a double-track railway. The Haiphong side connects the railway to Dinh Vu, Nam Do Son, and Lach Huyen ports. The Lao Cai side links the railway with Chinese railways to exploit intermodal and transit transport.
The upgrade for the existing railway will be conducted after 2025. The single-track railway gauge of 1,000mm remains unchanged with both passenger and freight trains. Meanwhile, the new 1,435mm railway line will specialise in freight trains only.”
Hai Phong aims to become an international logistics centre – [27/01/23]
“By 2030, it will become a modern international logistics service centre with sea, air, highway and high-speed rail”.
2022
Standard-gauge railway to connect Vietnam with Eurasia market via China and boost Trans-Asian railway development – [13/11/22]
Vietnam urged to get China-backed railway project on track, avoid ‘missed opportunities’ despite concerns – [12/11/22]
Vietnam, China issue joint statement – [01/11/22]
“The two sides agree to actively promote connectivity of their development strategies, accelerate discussion on and the signing of a cooperation plan between the two governments on promoting connectivity between the “Two corridors, one belt” Framework and the “Belt and Road” Initiative, roll out cooperation in production capacity, infrastructure construction and transport connectivity, and early complete the evaluation of the Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong standard gauge railway planning.”
2021
Vietnam to have additional 18 railway routes by 2050 – [26/08/21]
“The top priority projects for capital allocation are the North-South high-speed railway including two routes of Hanoi-Vinh, HCMC-Nha Trang, those of Bien Hoa-Vung Tau, Vung Ang-Tan Ap-Mu Gia, Di An-Loc Ninh, HCMC-Cantho, Lao Cai-Hanoi-Haiphong, and Hanoi-Dong Dang.”
2020
Belt and rail: New Vietnam-China train aims to put relations on track – [15/01/20]
“Updating a colonial legacy railway might offer more than a smoother connection between sometimes tense neighbours.”
2019
Proposed Hai Phong–China train route raises concerns over hefty price tag – [27/11/19]
No money, no need: Experts question proposed rail line to China – [27/11/19]
Railway route linking Chinese border to cost USD4.34 billion – [26/11/19]
“According to the Chinese consulting firm proposed planning, the 390-kilometre line will run through the eight localities of Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Phu Tho, Vinh Phuc, Hanoi, Hung Yen, Hai Duong and Haiphong.
Part of the track will be laid between Lao Cai and China’s Hekou County.
The route will have the global standard track gauge of 1.435 mm, instead of the country’s current 1,000 mm.
The project will have 73 bridges and 38 stations along with an annual goods transportation capacity of some 10 million tonnes. Train speed would be 160 kilometres per hour.”
China finances research study for Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong railway project – [26/11/19]
“The Chinese government has provided non-refundable aid for Vietnam worth over VND32 billion (US$1.37 million) to conduct a survey and a master plan for the Lao Cai – Hai Phong – Hanoi railway project connecting with China, according to the Ministry of Transport (MoT).”
Plans proposed for building Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong railway – [07/03/19]
“The Beijing-based China Railway Fifth Survey and Design Institute Group, the consultant unit that mapped out Vietnam’s Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong rail route project, has proposed two plans for the project’s construction, according to the Ministry of Transport.”
2018
Vietnam plans to construct faster railway to China border – [12/04/18]
“According the project plans, the 391km railway traversing Hai Phong city, Hanoi and Lao Cai province will have the global standard track gauge of 1,435mm instead of century-old gauge of 1,000mm common in Vietnam. The average speed for passenger trains can reach 160km per hour while the freight ones will run at about 90km per hour.”
2017
Leaders of communist neighbours China and Vietnam won’t let maritime dispute sour relations – [11/01/17]
“Other deals are still being negotiated. These include a protocol for China to provide technical support for the building of a coastal railway linking Lào Cai, Hanoi and Haiphong.”
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