The Vietnam Railway is proposing an investment of over VND2.2 trillion (US$87 million) to upgrade the Hanoi – Dong Dang railway line. This project is part of a broader initiative to modernize and enhance the railway network.

Dong Dang Station. Photo: VNA

The investment for the Hanoi – Dong Dang railway line is planned to be financed from the medium-term public investment fund for the 2026-2031 period. The project will enhance railway safety and transportation capacity upon completion, boosting international transport connectivity between Vietnam, China, and Europe.

From 2026 to 2031, the Hanoi – Dong Dang railway line will undergo upgrades, including track renovations and curve radius adjustments at bottlenecks. Additionally, drainage systems, culverts, and weak track beds will be reinforced. Station tracks, buildings, and weak tunnels will also be rehabilitated to ensure safety and eliminate speed-limiting black spots.

The Hanoi – Dong Dang railway line, approximately 167 km in length, has been operational since 1970. It includes eight tunnels with a total length of over 1,900 meters. Some tunnels have concrete shells that have developed small cracks and water leaks, requiring timely evaluation and repair to ensure train safety.

The line is one of two international railway lines connecting Vietnam with China via the Pingxiang Railway Station (the other being Hanoi – Lao Cai). Recently, efforts have been made to boost the international transport capacity of this line. Notably, the Kep Station (at Km 68+700) was upgraded and began international operations in March 2023.