The first among 13 trains imported from China for Cat Linh-Ha Dong urban railway route in Hanoi has been transported to Vietnam.

The consignment arrived in Haiphong Port on February 12 containing two railway engines and two passenger carriages of the first train

The consignment arrived in Haiphong Port on February 12 containing two railway engines and two passenger carriages of the first train. Each engine weighs 35 tonnes and is 19m long and 3.8 metres wide. Meanwhile, each carriage weighs 32 tonnes.  

Customs clearances procedures are being done before the consignment is taken to Hanoi. The engines and carriages have been still covered with canvas before being transported to Hanoi. 

The 50 remaining passenger carriages will be brought to Vietnam in the short time.

The Cat Linh-Ha Dong urban railway in Hanoi will begin its test run on October 1, according to the Railway Project Management Board under the Ministry of Transport on February 2 at a ceremony resuming the construction work on the railway.  

Deputy Minister of Transport Nguyen Hong Truong said 90% of the Cat Linh-Ha Dong urban railway has been completed. The route will begin its test run on October 1 this year.

The 13-km project was started in 2011 with an initial investment of USD552 million, including USD 169 million from Chinese official development assistance. However, in November 2014, the figure was raised to USD868 million.

Dtinews