Ho Chi Minh City-Can Tho rail line will boost economic connectivity in Mekong Delta
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(VOVWORLD) - The Departments of Transport of Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta provinces have completed a plan for a rail line connecting Ho Chi Minh City and Can Tho, the two main economic hubs of southern Vietnam. The project will facilitate cargo transport and private travel and boost the region’s economic growth.
 Map of Ho Chi Minh City- Can Tho rail line
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Ho Chi Minh City and Can Tho city are are often congested. The Southern Institute for Science and Technology floated the proposal for a railway between the two cities to support economic development and improve national security and defense. The proposed railway will be 134 kilometers long and 1.43 meters wide. Passenger trains will travel as much as 200 kilometers an hour and freight trains nearly 150 kilometers an hour.
The line will traverse Long An, Tien Giang and Vinh Long provinces and terminate at Cai Rang station in Can Tho City. There will be 10 stations along the line. The projected cost is 5 billion USD. The railway is scheduled to go into operation in late 2024.
The idea has been enthusiastically received by residents of the Mekong Delta. Mr. Nguyen Van Phuong lives in Tien Giang province: “We are very happy. We are waiting for the rail line to begin operation so cargo transport and travel will be easier. "
Luong Van Cu is with the Transport Association of Tien Giang province: “The rail line, the first in the Mekong Delta, will facilitate transportation in the region and ensure greater safety.”
The Mekong Delta is Vietnam’s largest agricultural region but its poor transport infrastructure has held back economic growth. The new rail line is expected to bring major socio-economic benefits to the region.
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