The Vietnam Railway Authority has submitted the Lao Cai - Ha Noi - Hai Phong - Quang Ninh railway route plan to the Ministry of Transport for review and approval by competent authorities.

The proposed railway line spans 10 northern localities, namely Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Phu Tho, Vinh Phuc, Ha Noi, Bac Ninh, Hung Yen, Hai Duong, Hai Phong and Quang Ninh.

With a total length of 447.66 km, the line will be connected at its northern end in Lao Cai province to the Chinese railway system and end at Cai Lan station in Ha Long city, Quang Ninh province.

The project includes approximately 145 bridges and flyovers, totaling nearly 107 km in length, crossing major rivers such as the Red River, Lo River, Bach Dang River, as well as various expressways, national highways, and provincial roads.

Additionally, 42 tunnels with a combined length of  more than 23 km will be constructed in the mountainous provinces of Lao Cai and Yen Bai.

The plan also features 41 stations, with Lao Cai station serving as a rail yard and an international gateway. Along the route, there will be four freight stations.

Consultants have calculated the capital investment needs for the project, estimating at a total of VND183.856 trillion (nearly $7.3 billion) by 2050, including land clearance costs of VND24.065 trillion ($950 million), construction and equipment costs of VND110.138 trillion (over $4.3 billion), and other related expenses.