Railway plan gets PM's tick of approval
Railway plan gets PM's tick of approval
The Viet Nam Railway Corporation's development plan for the next three year has been given the thumbs-up by the Prime Minister for its focus on upgrading and new infrastructure.
The corporation tips a budget of VND200 trillion (US$9.5 billion) of which VND195 trillion ($9.28 billion) will be spent on upgrading and building new ones and linking them to major ports, industrial zones and tourist attractions.
Among railways to be upgraded is the north-south Thong Nhat railway, which aims to enable passenger trains reach 120kph and freight trains, 80kph.
Preparations will be finalised for the construction of the railway routes linking Ha Noi-HCM City, Lao Cai-Ha Noi-Hai Phong; and Ha Noi-Dong Dang.
By 2015, Ha Noi Railway Station is expected to become the heart of the country's system, connecting with other means of transport and having a multi-functional service centre.
The improved facilities and services are expected to transport 13.7 million tonnes of freight and 17.7 million passengers a year. Last year, 7.2 million tonnes of goods and 11.9 million passengers were transported by rail.
In a National Assembly session last week, several deputies voiced their concerns about the inadequate railway system and called for more investment in the sector.
vietnamnews
