The government is weighing the development of a regional rail network to boost socioeconomic growth in the Red River Delta.

The test run of the Nhon - Hanoi Station urban railway project. Photo: The Hanoi Times

According to the plan, railway lines will be built connecting Hanoi with four neighboring provinces: Bac Ninh, Hung Yen, Ha Nam, and Vinh Phuc.

The Government also eyes the construction of a rail network linking four coastal provinces of Nam Dinh, Thai Binh, Haiphong, and Quang Ninh.

In the region, Hanoi is the only locality that operates an urban railroad, the Cat Linh - Ha Dong line, running for more than a year.

The capital city plans to build a network consisting of ten urban railway lines by 2030 that will contain a  total length of 417 kilometers.

Another Hanoi urban railway, the Nhon Line - Hanoi Station, is undergoing trials.

The project remains stalled and behind schedule. Its developer has delayed its operation until 2027.

Other projects are now in preparation and land clearance. Notably, the line stretches 11.5 kilometers from Ciputra Urban Area to Tran Hung Dao Street. It will run through the Old Quarters and one of its stations is located next to Hoan Kiem Lake.

The plan also indicates that the urban railway network will get upgraded and connected to the international transport route.

So far, travel between Hanoi and neighboring provinces is mainly by road. Hanoi municipal authorities are tasked to work with neighboring provinces to soon complete the construction of Ring Road No.4 and expand National Highway No.6.

In addition, the provinces of Thai Binh, Nam Dinh, and Ninh Binh are requested to upgrade their coastal roads.

The Government also asks Hanoi and other provinces in the region to complete the development plans for Ring Road 5, the western North-South Highway, and other road projects.

In addition, the Government will further facilitate the development and expansion of several waterways, seaports and international airports of Noi Bai (Hanoi), Cat Bi (Haiphong), and Van Don (Quang Ninh Province).

Under the plan, the Government targets to develop economic corridors between several cities and provinces of Vietnam and China.