Brian Jeffrey
The Ministry of Construction has officially backed the Vietnam Railways Corporation’s plan to revive the international passenger trains T8701/MR2 and T8702/MR1.
These services will run on the railway line connecting Gia Lam (Vietnam) to Nanning (China) through the border gates at Dong Dang (Vietnam) and Pingxiang (China).
The reintroduction of these train routes will adhere to current Vietnamese regulations and international treaties that Vietnam has joined, ensuring safe and secure operations.
The Vietnam Railways Corporation will coordinate with its regulatory bodies and Chinese partners to facilitate the relaunch of these train services.
Previously, the corporation sought approval from the Ministry of Construction to resume international rail operations, which were halted on February 5, 2020, due to measures against Covid-19.
With the successful control of the Covid-19 pandemic in both nations, the Vietnam Railways Corporation has proposed reinstating these services to cater to the travel and trade needs of individuals and companies in Vietnam and China.
The proposal has been shared with the Government, the Ministry of Construction, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and pertinent authorities.
The significance of restoring international rail travel was highlighted in discussions between the two nations and included in the “Vietnam – China Joint Statement” during Xi Jinping’s visit to Vietnam in April 2025.
On May 13, 2025, representatives from the Vietnam Railways Corporation engaged in bilateral talks with the Dong Dang – Lang Son Border Gate Economic Zone Management Board and the Pingxiang City Government delegation from Guangxi, China.
Both parties reached an agreement on technical specifications and set May 25, 2025, as the target date to restart international passenger train services on the standard-gauge railway between Dong Dang and Pingxiang.
The Vietnam Railways has assessed infrastructure, staffing, and scheduling requirements along the route to Dong Dang from Gia Lam to ensure readiness for the service’s recommencement.
