Diversifying international freight transport methods in Quang Ninh

The trend of rail transport is on the rise. Photo: Diep Anh/BNEWS/VNA

The Government is accelerating investment in the construction of railway routes, with the expectation of creating more cross-border freight transport options, easing the burden on roads, and shortening logistics time. At the same time, promoting multimodal transport connectivity will help enhance international trade competitiveness and expand trade networks with key markets.

In Quang Ninh province, along the Hai Phong – Ha Long – Mong Cai corridor, there are currently two transport modes: road and waterway. Among them, cargo transport mainly relies on inland and coastal shipping due to its lower cost.

The Ha Long – Mong Cai expressway, recently put into operation, features four lanes and is capable of meeting passenger transport demand until 2040. In reality, it is currently operating at about 9,000 CPU of its 45,000 CPU capacity (around 20% utilization).

At present, to reduce costs, goods are prioritized for sea and river transport, while road transport mainly handles passengers. When cross-border passenger and freight demand rises, a railway line will be developed.

The Ministry of Construction has assigned the Vietnam Railway Authority to coordinate with relevant Chinese authorities to implement detailed planning for the Hai Phong – Ha Long – Mong Cai railway line. Photo: BNEWS

Given the growing demand for transportation and the diversification of transport modes, voters in Quang Ninh province have expressed their hope that the Government will continue to direct relevant ministries and agencies to accelerate research and investment in the Hai Phong – Ha Long – Mong Cai railway line and its connection to Dongxing (China).

This is a strategic transportation route that will help boost cross-border economic cooperation, especially by facilitating stable and sustainable export of agricultural, forestry, and fishery products from southern provinces to the Chinese market.

The railway line not only plays a vital role in enhancing regional connectivity but also concretizes the recent common agreements between Vietnam and China.

According to the Ministry of Construction, in line with bilateral agreements between Vietnam and China and Government directives, the Ministry has assigned the Vietnam Railway Authority to work with relevant Chinese authorities to develop a detailed plan for the Hai Phong – Ha Long – Mong Cai railway. Meanwhile, the Thang Long Project Management Board has been tasked with preparing a pre-feasibility study report for the project to be submitted for approval.

Under the Vietnam Railway Network Master Plan for 2021–2025, with a vision to 2050, approved by the Prime Minister under Decision No. 1769/QĐ-TTg dated October 19, 2021, the Hai Phong – Ha Long – Mong Cai corridor will include three transport modes: maritime, road, and rail.

The Hai Phong – Ha Long – Mong Cai railway is planned to be approximately 187 km long, starting from Nam Dinh Vu station (Hai Phong) and ending in Mong Cai (Quang Ninh). The line is expected to use a 1,435 mm standard gauge, be electrified, and commence investment after 2030.

Pending the development of the Hai Phong – Ha Long – Mong Cai railway, the Ministry of Construction has proposed that Quang Ninh province direct relevant agencies to maximize the potential of the existing transport infrastructure—particularly inland waterways combined with coastal shipping and road systems. This approach will help strengthen economic cooperation between the two countries and facilitate stable, sustainable exports of agricultural, forestry, and fishery products from southern provinces to the Chinese market.