Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has requested relevant ministries, agencies and localities to accelerate the study and investment preparations for the Lao Cai - Hanoi - Hai Phong railway line to soon start its construction as schedule.

The Government leader made the instruction while inspecting the construction site of the project in northern Lao Cai province on December 22.

The 400-km railway will pass through nine provinces and cities, namely Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Phu Tho, Vinh Phuc, Hanoi, Bac Ninh, Hung Yen, Hai Duong and Hai Phong.

Its construction is expected to start at the end of 2025 and be completed by the end of 2030.

Total investment capital is estimated at around $11.6 billion.

PM Chinh asked to complete the project's dossiers, especially investment policies and mechanisms to submit to the Government and competent authorities for consideration.

The project should be studied with the most direct and shortest route possible to facilitate connection to railway lines of China, he said.

The design of the train speed and track gauge must ensure smooth and synchronized connectivity with the railway line of China.