Vietnam's capital, Hanoi, starts work on its first rail line

Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi, starts work on its first rail line

HANOI, Vietnam – State media are reporting that Vietnam‘s capital has begun work on its first rail line.

The Vietnam News said Monday that the 7.8-mile (12.5-kilometre) line will connect the fast-growing western part of Hanoi with the central train station. It will cost $1 billion and is expected to open in five years.

A report Sunday in the Thanh Nien newspaper said 5.3 miles (8.5 kilometres) of the line will be elevated while the remaining 2.5 miles (4 kilometres) will be underground.

Hanoi plans to have eight rail lines totalling 177 miles (284 kilometres). So far, five lines have been approved by the government.

The city of 6.5 million relies heavily on cars and motorbikes, with buses accommodating only a fraction of transportation needs.