Cao Xá Railway Station in the northern province of Hài Dương.—Photo baohaiduong.vn

HÀ NỘI — The Việt Nam Railway Corporation has proposed a total investment of VNĐ445 billion (US$18.6 million) for the upgrade of two railway stations: Sóng Thần, part of the Hà Nội – HCM City railway route, and Cao Xá, part of the Hà Nội – Hải Phòng railway route.

The corporation said due to several years of operation, the infrastructure of Sóng Thần station, encompassing railways, warehouses, cargo yards, and drainage systems, has deteriorated and no longer meets the region's rail freight transport demands.

Sóng Thần station is considered one of the largest cargo railway stations, playing a vital role in the loading and unloading of goods to and from the southern region.

Additionally, it is one of six international intermodal railway stations facilitating the import and export of goods by rail between Việt Nam and China and vice versa.

In light of these factors and to meet the demands of inter-provincial and international rail freight transport at Sóng Thần station, the corporation has requested the Ministry of Transport to consider upgrading the station.

At the Sóng Thần cargo yard of the station, the corporation has proposed a renovation plan that includes upgrading the existing loading and unloading lanes, cargo yards, enhancing the internal road system, and constructing an additional 2,005-square-meter cargo yard.

At the An Bình cargo yard of the station, the corporation has put forth a proposal that includes the installation of a new cargo loading and unloading road measuring 337m, the construction of an additional 7,126-square-meter cargo yard, repairs to the container-truck gathering yard and the container washing yard, and the construction of a 2,500-square-meter cold storage facility.

The total investment for the construction and repair is estimated to be VNĐ150 billion ($6.26 million).

Regarding the Cao Xá railway station in the northern province of Hải Dương, it is located in close proximity to industrial parks such as Đại An, Cẩm Điền, Phúc Điền, Tân Trường, and Việt Hòa - Kenmark. These industrial parks exhibit a significant demand for the import and export of goods.

However, the station currently caters primarily to domestic cargo transportation, with a relatively low volume of shipments.

Thus, the corporation has submitted a request to the ministry for the upgrade of the station to facilitate intermodal operations.

In the first phase, it will build a new goods-loading and unloading road with a length of 250m; a new customs-service office with an area of 200 sq.m; a new warehouse with an area of 1,000 sq.m; a new 10,000-sq.m cargo yard installed with a lighting system, water supply, drainage system, surveillance cameras and a firefighting system.

After completing the first phase, the station will undergo further upgrades in the second phase with many new items.

The total investment for both phases is estimated to be VNĐ295 billion ($12.3 million).—VNS