The 15th National Assembly passed a resolution on the investment policy for the Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong railway project on February 19..

According to the resolution, the project aims to build a new, modern, and synchronous railway line to meet domestic and international transport needs between Vietnam and China.

It also seeks to create a significant impetus for rapid and sustainable socio-economic development in Vietnam, promote advantages along the Lao Cai - Hanoi - Hai Phong economic corridor, and ensure effective connectivity of domestic and international railway networks.

The projected railway will start at the border crossing point in Lao Cai province and end at Lach Huyen station in Hai Phong city.

The main line is approximately 390.9 km long, with an additional 27.9 km of branch lines, passing through nine centrally-run provinces and cities, including Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Phu Tho, Vinh Phuc, Hanoi Capital, Bac Ninh, Hung Yen, Hai Duong, and Hai Phong.

The entire line will be newly constructed as a single track with a gauge of 1,435 mm, capable of transporting both passengers and cargos. 

The design speed is set at 160 km/h for the main line section from the new Lao Cai station to Nam Hai Phong station, 120 km/h for the section passing through the Hanoi city hub area, and 80 km/h for the remaining line sections.