Da Nang Urban Railway: Opportunities and Challenges

In the vision of developing Da Nang into a new growth hub of the country, modern urban transportation is considered the "backbone" for breakthroughs. As economic and social development begins to place significant pressure on infrastructure, transportation, and the living environment of the city's residents, a major question is being asked: What can Da Nang do to create a breakthrough in connectivity and sustainable development? The answer is being found in a vision called "Urban Railway".

This is one of the two main road routes that locals and tourists have traditionally used to travel from Da Nang city center to the ancient town of Hoi An. However, a new urban railway line will soon connect Da Nang airport to My Khe beach and to the ancient town of Hoi An, and in the future, it will even connect to Tam Ky and Chu Lai airport.

The Da Nang - Hoi An line is one of 16 lines in the planned Da Nang urban railway network, with a total length of nearly 300 km. A modern urban railway would provide residents and tourists with a faster, safer, and less strenuous transportation option. However, the issue isn't just about technology; it also involves economic, social, and transportation habits.

Mr. Mario Valerio Dattola, an international railway expert, stated: "Vietnam, and Da Nang in particular, has a unique characteristic stemming from the high volume of motorbike use. People can park their motorbikes wherever they want, such as on sidewalks, making comparisons with other countries difficult. Based on international experience, there is no single system that can solve this problem; different systems are needed to meet diverse needs."

Da Nang is prioritizing research on two routes: the route connecting Da Nang International Airport - Hoi An - Tam Ky - Chu Lai and the route connecting the high-speed railway station to the Central Urban Railway Station, both expected to be completed by 2030. Other routes have also been planned for investment.

Dr. Nguyen Quoc Hien, Deputy Head of the Ho Chi Minh City Urban Railway Management Board, shared: "The city government should also select a few key, vital railway lines to focus on for development. Personally, I think priority should be given to lines that promote tourism . The railway line could carry both freight and passenger trains to connect industrial zones in Quang Nam province with the Lien Chieu and Tien Sa seaports."

Dr. Ji Taek Oh from the Global Technology Commercialization Office, Korea Railway Research Institute, stated: "If, due to cost concerns, the city chooses a small-scale urban rail model, such as designing stations with few and narrow platforms to save costs, then later, as Da Nang's population increases and the number of tourists visiting the city grows, expanding the stations will be very difficult. Therefore, looking at the next 20 or 50 years, I believe that designing Da Nang's urban rail stations with ample length and space from the outset will maximize the operational efficiency of the urban rail system in the future."

A modern urban rail system is not only a solution to traffic congestion, but also a measure of urban development vision. More than just a transportation project, it is a work of vision, reflecting the aspiration to elevate Da Nang to a regional level, connect functional areas, promote economic growth, and create a greener, cleaner, and more beautiful living environment for future generations.

Source: https://vtv.vn/duong-sat-do-thi-da-nang-co-hoi-va-thach-thuc-100251111131122258.htm