Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Duong Duc Tuan on December 17 met and worked with leaders of the China Railway Signal and Communication Corporation (CRSC).

During the meeting, Tuan stated that Hanoi currently operates two urban railway lines: the 13km-long Cat Linh - Ha Dong line and the 8.5km elevated section of the Nhon - Hanoi Station line.

Delegates at the meeting. 

Recognizing urban railways as the "backbone" of the public transportation system, essential for addressing traffic congestion and building a modern, civilized capital city, Hanoi aims to invest in and complete 10 urban railway lines with a total length of over 410km by 2035, in line with the city's master plan.

Between 2035 and 2045, the city will further invest in five additional lines, covering a total of over 200km, as outlined in the adjusted plan. The total capital demand for urban railway projects is estimated to exceed US$55 billion.

In addition to the two commercially operated segments, the city is advancing the construction of the 4km underground section of the Nhon - Hanoi Station line and promoting an extension to Hoang Mai District. Meanwhile, a study is underway to extend the Cat Linh - Ha Dong line to Xuan Mai in Chuong My District. Hanoi is also accelerating preparations for the construction of several other lines to gradually increase the share of public passenger transport, meeting residents' mobility needs step by step.

Furthermore, Hanoi is working with relevant ministries, agencies, and localities to implement national railway projects aimed at improving regional and international connectivity.

Lou Qiliang, Chairman of the Board of CRSC, stated that there are currently over 10 companies in China operating in the railway signal and communication sector, with CRSC holding a dominant market share.

Overview of the meeting. 

As a state-owned enterprise in China, CRSC has strong capabilities to mobilize funding and implement large-scale projects. Expressing interest in investing in Hanoi's urban railway projects, CRSC plans to collaborate with major Chinese enterprises specializing in railway infrastructure development. Lou Qiliang also proposed Hanoi introduce reputable Vietnamese companies to partner with CRSC, ensuring projects are completed with high quality and on schedule.

"CRSC is ready to share its experience with Hanoi in integrating and standardizing railway signal and communication systems across standalone urban railway projects. This is an issue that some Chinese cities encountered during their initial development phases, and we have successfully addressed it," said Lou Qiliang.

Welcoming CRSC's exploration of investment opportunities, Vice Chairman Duong Duc Tuan emphasized that Hanoi's ongoing urban railway projects offer significant opportunities for foreign enterprises and investors to participate.

Vice Chairman Duong Duc Tuan assigned the Hanoi Urban Railway Management Board, the Department of Transport, and the Department of Planning and Investment to coordinate with CRSC on the next steps, particularly in standardizing railway signal and communication systems. He also requested CRSC to work closely with the city's designated agencies to ensure the feasibility and effectiveness of project implementation.