HANOI, Dec. 23 (Xinhua) -- The Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong railway in northern Vietnam is expected to start construction at the end of 2025 and be completed by the end of 2030, said Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh while inspecting the project site in Lao Cai on Sunday, Vietnam News Agency reported.

Covering nearly 400 km, the railway, which will connect with the railway in China, has a total investment of around 11.6 billion U.S. dollars.

The line will pass through nine Vietnamese provinces and cities, namely Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Phu Tho, Vinh Phuc, Hanoi, Bac Ninh, Hung Yen, Hai Duong and Hai Phong.

During the site inspection, Chinh urged the Ministry of Transport to closely coordinate with relevant ministries, sectors, and localities.

He noted that the design of the train speed and track gauge must ensure smooth and synchronized connectivity with the railway line of China.

Close coordination with the Chinese side is essential to implement the project in a concerted manner, ensuring seamless connectivity between the railways of the two countries, he said. ■