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Railroads

Vietnam Railways Proposes Railway Industrial Complex to Enhance Local Production and Reduce Imports

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Vietnam Railways (VNR) has submitted plans for a 250-hectare railway industrial complex in Ha Nam to develop local production technology for rolling stock and components, aiming to reduce reliance on imports. The complex will enable VNR to transfer technology to build locomotives, carriages, and urban rail cars domestically, with the goal of achieving 80% localisation by 2050.

Key Takeaways:

  • The proposed industrial complex aims to master domestic production technology for rolling stock and components, reducing reliance on imports.
  • VNR currently operates 258 locomotives, 980 passenger coaches, and over 4,300 freight wagons, with at least 114 locomotives, 168 passenger coaches, and 1,472 freight wagons expected to reach the end of their service life by 2025.
  • The railway network plan to 2050 targets 25 lines totaling over 6,300km, including 18 new routes, requiring thousands of new locomotives, passenger cars, and freight wagons.
  • The North-South high-speed railway will need around 1,100 electric multiple unit (EMU) carriages, while urban rail projects require nearly 1,500 carriages.
  • Domestic rail manufacturing remains limited, with VNR Deputy General Director Hoang Naft Khang stating that the industry mainly repairs and replaces old systems, has no export products, and cannot yet build electric locomotives.
  • The complex will feature manufacturing and assembly plants for rolling stock, equipment, and spare parts, research and development (R&D) and innovation centers, maintenance and repair facilities, and a direct connection to the national rail network.
  • Public investment will fund infrastructure, R&D centers, and connecting lines, while private firms will be invited to invest in manufacturing and operations.
  • The production plan aims to produce 10 locomotives, 15 electric locomotives, 50 standard passenger coaches, 60 high-speed coaches, 300 freight wagons, and 200 urban rail cars annually.
  • The complex will include about 20 functional zones, from bogie production and assembly lines for EMUs and high-speed trains to logistics hubs, training centers, test tracks, and worker accommodations.

Statistics:

  • VNR currently operates 258 locomotives, 980 passenger coaches, and over 4,300 freight wagons.
  • 114 locomotives, 168 passenger coaches, and 1,472 freight wagons are expected to reach the end of their service life by 2025.
  • The North-South high-speed railway will require around 1,100 EMU carriages.
  • Urban rail projects require nearly 1,500 carriages.
  • The production plan aims to produce 10 locomotives, 15 electric locomotives, 50 standard passenger coaches, 60 high-speed coaches, 300 freight wagons, and 200 urban rail cars annually.

Sources:

  • Via ++t Nam Railways (VNR)
  • Vietnam Railway Network Plan to 2050
  • Railway Law 2025
  • Hoang Naft Khang, VNR Deputy General Director
  • DAEdegAE!ng Ha "ng Anh, VNR Deputy Director

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