2 hours running time for Hanoi-Vinh double gauge track

The information was released in a presentation of the final report of the feasibility study for building and electrifying the new 1,435 mm double gauge track from Hanoi to Vinh on the main North - South rail line which has been successfully completed with aid from the Government of the Republic of Korea through Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).

According to the survey results, the length of the new express railway from Hanoi to Vinh will be 36 km shorter than the existing one, reduced from 370 km to 334 km with the standard speed of about 167 km/h and running time will be 2 hours.

Based on the results of the surveys on alignment, road-bed condition, information and power system and engines, the Korean side proposed 3 plans for the project. Among those plans, the best one is that alignment, road-bed condition, information and power systems and engines of the new express railway will ensure the speed of 350 km/h and the estimated expenses including construction for this plan will be about 12.9 billion USD.

Mr. Yoo Yeon Chul, Political Counselor cum Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Vietnam remarked: “Korea has fostered the railway sector to become the key industry which is the pioneer for the development of not only the transportation industry but also for all the country’s industries. The report transferred to Vietnam is the results surveyed and studied based on the experiences and technology accumulated during this development. It will be used as an overall picture for the development and modernization of Vietnam’s railway system.

During the 4 past years, through KOICA, the Government of the Republic of Korea has supported the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam to complete two feasibility studies for building and electrifying the new 1,435 mm double gauge track from Ho Chi Minh to Nha Trang and from Hanoi to Vinh on the North - South rail line.

In the future, rail will be the major means of transportation for Vietnamese people, contributing to exchanges between the North and the South as well as narrowing the economic gap between regions.

KOICA selected Chung Suk Engineering Company and Korea Railway Institute to implement the feasibility study over two years, starting from 2006. (CPV)