The Ministry of Transport has proposed that investment of VND3.5 trillion ($141.3 million) come from the State budget to upgrade seven railway stations by 2025 and that they be given international designation.

The seven stations are Dong Dang, Lao Cai, Kep, Vat Cach, Kim Lien, Dieu Tri, and Song Than.

Upgrades will cover existing warehouses, the building of new container yards of airport runway standard, the addition of new tracks, and upgrading locomotives and carriages.

The move aims to increase the transport of import-export goods via rail from 1.1 million tons in 2021 to 4-5 million tons by 2030, according to the Ministry.

It has also proposed that the stations be given international designation, as is done with seaports and airports. If they are not recognized as international, they cannot open customs offices on-site, which would hamper import and export activities and reduce the capacity of railway transport.

Vietnam’s railway network currently has 14 stations that can be connected to international rail networks.