Hanoi light rail: a model for future projects in Vietnam

An overlook view of Hanoi light rail.

The Sixth Engineering Bure Crec exhibits a sample light rail station and train in Hanoi, capital of Vietnam, on May 20, where it will build a 13-kilometer long and 12-station light rail line, reports the Economic Daily.

Locals look forward to the completion of the project which will make their urban trips more convenient.

The whole project, which is expected to come into trial operation by the end of this year, needs a total investment of US$868 million, and uses China's technology and standards. The Export-Import Bank of China offers concessional loans to the project.

The Vietnamese government said that the light rail is important to ease the city's traffic congestion as a modern public transport tool, and it recognizes the Chinese companies' efforts, and hopes China can work closely with the Hanoi subway company to ensure a smooth and safe operation of the train in the future.

Lyu Haiying, a senior official with a Vietnamese company participating in this project, said: "The light rail can provide important standard and technology reference for future projects in Vietnam."