Why does the North-South high-speed railway "detour" through Nam Dinh?

The North-South high-speed railway line is being studied to "circle" through Nam Dinh , connecting the Red River Delta region and the northern coastal provinces.

In line with local planning and possessing new development potential, the Government has just submitted to the National Assembly the investment policy for the high-speed railway project on the North-South axis. According to the project's pre-feasibility study report, the project involves the construction of a new 1,541km high-speed railway line, double track, 1,435mm gauge, with a design speed of 350 km/h and a load capacity of 22.5 tons per axle. One of the issues of great public concern is that this railway line will pass through Nam Dinh province, with the station located near the center of Nam Dinh city. Many opinions suggest that this route is "roundabout," affecting investment costs as well as operating costs. Furthermore, it fails to meet the directives of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha to "ensure the straightest possible route."

The North-South high-speed railway route through Nam Dinh province is based on the feasibility study report.

Specifically, according to the National Technical and Economic Report, Phu Ly station is located in Liem Tuyen and Liem Tiet communes, Phu Ly city, near the Liem Tuyen interchange, east of the expressway. After Phu Ly station, the line will basically follow the existing railway line and National Highway 21 towards Nam Dinh city. Nam Dinh station will be located in My Hung commune, My Loc district (near the existing Dang Xa railway station). After Nam Dinh station, the line will go towards Ninh Binh, crossing the Day River in the area east of Khanh Phu industrial park (Ninh Binh city). In Nam Dinh, a station will be located in Vinh Hao commune, Vu Ban district, used to consolidate maintenance equipment (compactors, track leveling machines, ballast air conditioners, etc.) and store supplies and materials for the Nam Dinh - Ninh Binh section. A representative from the Railway Project Management Board stated that the route study must ensure the following factors: dependence on national, regional, provincial, and specialized planning related to the project; and compliance with control point requirements. The project aims to ensure the shortest possible route length between control points, meeting the technical requirements of the line. Furthermore, it must be compatible with the local terrain; avoiding areas sensitive to the natural and social environment, historical sites, and scenic spots. Simultaneously, it minimizes land acquisition, avoids densely populated areas, and reduces the impact on existing structures. Regarding the location of high-speed railway stations, the study is based on fundamental principles: compatibility with current conditions and local development plans; proximity to urban centers and planned areas with potential for new development; good connectivity with public transport and other transportation systems; and efficient utilization of infrastructure and facilities. "Thus, the station is a crucial control point on the high-speed railway line. Between stations, the route alignment is studied to meet the technical requirements corresponding to the design speed level," a representative from the Railway Project Management Board stated. Connecting the North-South corridor with the Red River Delta region : Regarding the high-speed railway route through Nam Dinh province, the consultant stated that because the station is located to the east of the North-South axis, the route绕ing through Nam Dinh will find it difficult to meet the criterion of being "as straight as possible".

High-speed rail train (illustrative photo).

However, the location of Nam Dinh station has been studied to ensure it aligns with national, regional, and provincial planning; meeting the economic and technical requirements of the line. The proposed route has also been supported by international consultants for analysis, evaluation, and agreement with local authorities, with Nam Dinh province agreeing on the route option. Regarding connectivity, passenger collection, and distribution, according to the consultants, in addition to serving the transportation needs of Nam Dinh province, the high-speed railway line will also serve the entire region including Thai Binh province, part of the southeastern area of ​​Hai Duong, and Hung Yen, with a population of approximately 4 million. "If the route does not pass through Nam Dinh province, it will not maximize connectivity and will not be consistent with the approved plans," the consultants affirmed. In an interview with the Transport Newspaper, an official working on railway planning stated that the high-speed railway route "circling" through Nam Dinh will be more efficient in terms of transportation. Nam Dinh is a developing textile and garment industry area with a large population and high transportation demand. Furthermore, Nam Dinh will have convenient connections to railway lines. In addition to the existing railway line, it will connect to the coastal railway line connecting Nam Dinh - Thai Binh - Hai Phong - Quang Ninh in the future. The railway network plan for the period 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050, has planned to invest in this line with a 1,435mm gauge after 2030. At that time, it will connect these northern coastal provinces with the North-South high-speed railway, increasing the efficiency of transportation. Further explaining, a representative from the Railway Project Management Board stated that Nam Dinh station, besides being the center of Nam Dinh province, also serves as a connection point to several neighboring localities in the Red River Delta region such as Thai Binh and Hung Yen, with populations of millions. Therefore, Nam Dinh station on the current railway line plays a crucial role in connecting the North-South corridor with the Red River Delta region. During the research and updating of the high-speed railway route, the Ministry of Transport has closely coordinated with localities along the route. The results of the review have optimized the route, reducing the total length by approximately 4km. This route has been reported to the competent authorities, updated by localities in their provincial planning, which has been reviewed and approved by the Ministry of Planning and Investment, and subsequently approved by the Prime Minister. Thus, the route has been carefully studied in the "straightest possible" manner. "Adjusting the route would not meet the requirements for conformity with the planning and criteria regarding station location and route. However, in the next implementation phase, based on detailed survey data, the route will continue to be reviewed and locally adjusted if necessary," the Railway Project Management Board stated.

Source: https://www.baogiaothong.vn/vi-sao-duong-sat-toc-do-cao-bac-nam-di-vong-qua-nam-dinh-192241022141658046.htm