Local authorities are speeding up site clearance for the Lào Cai–Hanoi–Hai Phong railway project section passing through Hai Phong City, aiming to complete it before June 2026.
At a recent meeting with the Railway Project Management Board (Ministry of Construction), Mr. Nguyễn Đức Thọ – Vice Chairman of Hai Phong People’s Committee – emphasized the importance of handing over preliminary land boundary documentation for the Hai Phong section.
Fast-tracked land clearance
The Hai Phong segment includes 46.18 km of mainline and two branch lines totaling 20.57 km (Nam Hai Phong–Nam Đồ Sơn and Nam Dinh Vu technical station–Dinh Vu station). The design speed is 160 km/h on the mainline and 80 km/h on branch lines.
Hai Phong estimates 376 ha must be cleared in two phases, with resettlement costs of approximately VND 5,860 billion (Phase 1: 345 ha – VND 5,376 billion; Phase 2: 30.5 ha – VND 484 billion). Construction costs are estimated at VND 20,480 billion for the mainline, VND 1,350 billion for the Nam Dinh Vu–Dinh Vu branch (7.89 km), and VND 5,100 billion for the Nam Hai Phong–Nam Đồ Sơn branch (12.63 km).
To ensure this national key project stays on track, Mr. Thọ requested the project board finalize and agree on the alignment—particularly where it runs parallel to the Hanoi–Hai Phong expressway—to enable Hai Phong to begin planning land inventory, acquisition, and resettlement areas. He also urged the board to include proposals on integrating the rail bridge with the Tan Vu–Lach Huyen road and planning three interchanges in the investment approval documents.
For the Nam Dinh Vu branch to Dinh Vu Port, he asked consultants to assess impacts on businesses along Provincial Road 356 and include plans to relocate power lines into alignment with the track. All crossings and underpasses must be evaluated to ensure safe, smooth traffic flow.
Construction Department will receive and process project documents, guiding districts accordingly. The Finance Department and relevant agencies are to prepare funding in 2025 for land clearance and resettlement. Localities along the route must urgently identify households to be relocated, propose resettlement areas, and complete land clearance by June 30, 2026.
The Railway PMB (Ministry of Construction) considers the Hai Phong section critical as the project’s terminus. It is being implemented at a rapid pace, with a target start at the end of 2025 and completion by 2030. The PMB has already included the Đồ Sơn branch per Hai Phong’s request and calls on Hai Phong to coordinate closely on land clearance and documentation.
A golden opportunity for breakthrough
The Lào Cai–Hanoi–Hai Phong railway is seen as a key missing link for transport, supporting both Hai Phong and northern provinces’ socio-economic development. It will modernize railway infrastructure for passenger and cargo movement along the East–West corridor, serve as an international gateway via the port, and provide a shorter rail route to China and Europe. It will also boost international logistics efficiency.
At the national-local conference on February 21, Hai Phong pledged VND 10,960 billion for the project.
Mr. Lê Tiến Châu – Secretary of Hai Phong Party Committee – noted that completing this railway by 2030 offers a golden opportunity for Hai Phong’s leap forward. He emphasized the central government’s favor for Hai Phong’s proactive contribution of nearly VND 11,000 billion. The city now needs to capitalize on strategic advantages to recover investment and showcase success.
The Ministry of Construction is directing related agencies to intensify efforts, adhere to schedules, and ensure the project’s on-time launch.