The Ministry of Construction announced that the Hai Phong – Ha Long – Mong Cai railway line, spanning approximately 187 km, is currently undergoing detailed planning and a pre-feasibility study.
Responding to petitions from voters in Quang Ninh Province regarding the implementation of the railway connecting with China, the Ministry of Construction stated that the Railway Network Master Plan for the 2021–2030 Period, with a Vision to 2050, identifies the Hai Phong – Ha Long – Mong Cai railway line as approximately 187 km long. The line originates at Nam Dinh Vu Station in Hai Phong and terminates in the Mong Cai area, Quang Ninh Province.
The railway is planned to utilize a standard 1,435 mm gauge, feature electrification, and undergo investment studies during the 2021–2030 period.
Currently, transportation along the Hai Phong – Ha Long – Mong Cai corridor is handled via road and waterway routes. Among these, freight is predominantly transported by inland waterways and coastal shipping due to lower logistics costs, while passenger transit is mainly served by roads. The Ha Long – Mong Cai Expressway is currently operating with 4 lanes and is assessed to be capable of meeting passenger transport demand through 2040. Current traffic volume on the expressway is approximately 9,000 PCUs (passenger car units), equivalent to 20% of its designed capacity.
The Ministry of Construction noted that once passenger and freight transport demand reaches a sufficient scale, investment in the Hai Phong – Ha Long – Mong Cai railway will be carried out. In the immediate future, priority will remain on maritime and river transport for freight to keep logistics costs down, while road networks continue to accommodate the majority of passenger travel demand.
Regarding investment preparation, in accordance with agreements between Vietnam and China along with directives from the Government, the Ministry of Construction has directed the Vietnam Railway Authority to coordinate with relevant Chinese authorities to formulate the Detailed Plan for the Hai Phong – Ha Long – Mong Cai railway line, with completion slated for 2026.
