Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has stressed the important role that railway transport played throughout Vietnam’s history, noting that railways hold many advantages and are critical to socio-economic development, defense, and security.

He made the statement while attending a ceremony to launch upgrades to the Nha Trang - Ho Chi Minh City railway line at Thap Cham Station in the south-central province of Ninh Thuan on January 26.

The upgrade of the 411-km section, part of a project renovating the Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh City railway line, has total investment of nearly VND1.1 trillion ($46.8 million).

The Ministry of Transport reported that during the 2016-2020 period, the railway sector implemented four projects to upgrade key works on the Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh City railway line with total investment of around VND7 trillion ($294 million). Most projects met deadlines and quality requirements. The remaining four of 35 contract packages are expected to be completed this year.

During 2021-2025, the sector plans to carry out eight projects with total capital of over VND9.58 trillion ($402 million). Two projects will use official development assistance (ODA) while the remainder will be funded by the State budget.

On the same day, Prime Minister Chinh also examined construction of the 49-km Nha Trang - Cam Lam Expressway, which is part of the North - South Expressway project, in south-central Khanh Hoa province.

The Nha Trang - Cam Lam expressway has investment of over VND5.5 trillion ($231 million) through public-private partnerships (PPPs). Construction began in September 2021.