Government mulls 250 kph transnational railway

The dual-gauge railway, with design speeds of 250 kilometers per hour and operational speeds of 180-225 kph, is required as rail only carries 6% of passengers and 1.4% of cargo on the north-south route, the planning ministry said.

When completed it would be a key means of transport capable of carrying large volumes of cargo, connect major economic centers and boost growth, it said.

It suggested that the railroad be built under a public-private partnership and funded partly by auctioning lands near the 50 stations along the route.

The 250-kph option has been suggested by a consultancy consortium over a 350-kph option which can only transport passengers.

Though costing more to build, it would have a higher chance of recouping the investment thanks to cargo transport, the consortium comprising the University of Transport and Communications Consultancy and Construction, Germany’s Evo mc, Ove Arup & Partners Hong Kong, and Hung Phu Trading and Construction Consultant said.

They will respectively cost US$62.7-64.8 billion and $58.7 billion.

Since 2019 officials have been considering the transnational rail since roads and airports are becoming increasingly overloaded.