Da Nang-based Bach Dang Hotel Complex Trading-Service Company is seeking the Ministry of Transport’s approval for a project costing VND28.9 trillion (USD1.2 billion) to restore the Thap Cham-Da Lat railway.
The railway route is 83.5 kilometres long, running from Ninh Son District in the southern central province of Ninh Thuan to Don Duong District in the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong, with 16 stations and stops.
Under the recommendation, the investor would restore the 76.8-kilometre section from Thap Cham Station in Ninh Thuan to Trai Mat Station in Da Lat, as well as rebuild 64 bridges, 11 stations, and five tunnels. The firm would also upgrade the 6.7-kilometre section connecting Trai Mat Station and Da Lat Station.
Bach Dang Hotel Complex Trading-Service Company suggested that the project should be carried out under a public-private partnership (PPP). Among the total investment capital, VND2.16 trillion would be sourced from the state budget, while the remainder would be mobilised by the firm.
The project would begin in January 2025 and the railway route put into use in December 2029.
The Thap Cham-Da Lat railway route was one of the first two rack railways in the world. It was put into operation in 1932 after a 24-year construction period. However, due to wars, its use has been suspended since 1968.
Since 1975, only one section, running from Trai Mat to Da Lat in Lam Dong Province, has been used for tourism purposes.
According to Bach Dang Hotel Complex Trading-Service Company, the Thap Cham-Da Lat railway restoration project is expected to spur tourism development in Ninh Thuan and Lam Dong.
Source: dtinews.vn