HANOI; Two railway lines linking Hanoi and the northern border province of Lang Son have been proposed for detailed planning, including a new Hanoi–Dong Dang line.
The lines are designed for double tracks, standard-gauge rails and a maximum design speed of 160km per hour.
The proposal is included in a draft plan for railway lines and stations in the Hanoi railway hub area, which is currently under appraisal by the Ministry of Construction.
According to the draft's explanatory report, detailed planning for the two lines is intended to provide a basis for coordinated investment and reserve land for development along the railway corridors.
The existing railway line will remain in operation, starting at Hanoi Station before the central section is handed over to the capital's authorities, or at Gia Lam Station once the eastern ring railway line has been built and put into operation.
The draft also proposes converting the existing section between Hanoi and Gia Lam stations into an urban railway line.
Meanwhile, under the consultant's proposal, the new Hanoi–Dong Dang railway will begin at Gia Lam Station for passenger trains and Yen Thuong Station for freight trains, both in Hanoi.
The section under study will end at the boundary between former Bac Ninh and Bac Giang provinces.
In terms of preliminary technical specifications, the new line is proposed to have double tracks, a gauge of 1,435mm and a design speed of 160km per hour.
The proposed alignment would start at Gia Lam and Yen Thuong stations at ground level and continue at ground level to Tien Du Station. The railway would then gradually rise onto an elevated structure for the remainder of the section under study.
The alignment still requires further assessment and clarification, either during the preparation of a separate detailed plan or at the project's pre-feasibility study stage.
Alongside the existing line, the new Hanoi–Dong Dang railway is being studied for detailed planning under a technical assistance project provided by China. — VNS/ANN
