Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh surveys the Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong railway project in Lao Cai province. Photo: Duong Giang/VNA

During his working program in the northern border province of Lao Cai on Monday, PM Chinh surveyed the railway project and requested that it must have  the shortest route possible without following the old route. He also ordered the appropriate adjustment of the number and location of freight and passenger stations for effective operation.

The train speed and track gauge must be designed to ensure smooth and synchronous connection with the Chinese railway, PM Chinh said, stressing the need to closely coordinate with the Chinese side for in sync implementation.

The 11.6 billion USD Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong railway is expected to have a total length of nearly 400km, passing through nine provinces and cities including Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Phu Tho, Vinh Phuc, Hanoi, Bac Ninh, Hung Yen, Hai Duong and Hai Phong. Construction is planed to begin at the end of next year and be completed by the end of 2030.