Khanh Hoa seeks rail route change to protect ancient Cham towers

Khanh Hoa has proposed adjusting the North-South high-speed railway route to avoid affecting the Hoa Lai Cham towers, a national special relic dating back more than 1,000 years.

Khanh Hoa authorities have asked the Ministry of Construction to study a route adjustment for the North-South high-speed railway project to keep it outside the protected area of the Hoa Lai Towers relic site.

According to provincial officials, the architectural and archaeological relic complex of the Hoa Lai Towers in Thuan Bac Commune was designated a National Special Relic by the Prime Minister in 2016. The site is considered one of the most well-preserved examples of ancient Cham architecture in south-central Vietnam.

During a review of the project's pre-feasibility study, provincial authorities found that a section of the planned railway route through Thuan Bac Commune would pass within the protected area of the relic site.

Khanh Hoa officials said locating a major transport infrastructure project near the monument could affect its cultural and historical setting, landscape, architectural sightlines and overall integrity. Construction activities, including foundation work and piling, could also impact archaeological layers and undiscovered heritage elements around the site.

Authorities further warned that the high-speed railway's heavy dynamic loads, frequent operations and high speeds could generate long-term vibration and noise during both construction and operation.

These factors may affect the structural stability, material durability and conservation environment of the ancient towers, which date back many centuries, the province said.

Citing provisions of Vietnam's Cultural Heritage Law requiring protected buffer zones around classified relics, Khanh Hoa has urged the Ministry of Construction to consider adjusting the route to minimise impacts on the Hoa Lai Towers.

According to the provincial Center for Cultural Heritage Conservation, the Hoa Lai Towers complex, also known as Ba Thap, in Thuan Bac Commune was built between the eighth and ninth centuries. It is regarded as one of the oldest and most beautiful surviving Cham tower complexes in Vietnam.