Vietnam Government Gives Green Light for $244m Rail Upgrade

The Vietnamese government has approved the Vietnam Railway Corporation plans to upgrade a 1,000km rail stretch between the main cities of Vinh and Nha Trang. The upgrade will bring the rail section in line with international safety standards and will cost approximately VND3.9 trillion (US$244m).

The VRC will overhaul old concrete ties between the stretch that passes through 68 stations. It will also upgrade a number of stations as well as develop additional facilities, renovate and repair ageing tracks and grade crossings, and construct new overpasses.

Certain portions of the Vinh-Nha Trang stretch are deteriorating considerably and some sections along the Hai Van and Khe Net passes and the VRC have expressed their concern that they do not meet the safety standards necessary for higher-speed rail.

The project, which is set for completion by 2011, will also encourage further trade between the central Vietnamese provinces.