Local authorities support the initiative and are streamlining investment procedures to accelerate the project.

China Railway Second Bureau has recently met with Lam Dong province officials, expressing its interest in collaborating on the restoration of the Da Lat – Thap Cham railway.

On March 5, Lam Dong’s People’s Committee hosted a working session with a delegation from China Railway Second Bureau to discuss the project’s revival.

At the meeting, Guan Hua Bing, a representative from China Railway Second Bureau, introduced various railway projects the organization has undertaken worldwide. The delegation also expressed interest in obtaining detailed planning information regarding the restoration of the Da Lat – Thap Cham railway.

Additionally, the Chinese delegation discussed initiatives to promote international flight routes from Lien Khuong Airport (such as Da Lat – Singapore and Da Lat – Siem Reap) and other potential tourism cooperation opportunities.

Tran Hong Thai, Chairman of the Lam Dong People’s Committee, emphasized the necessity of restoring the railway and affirmed the province’s support for China Railway Second Bureau in researching the project. He also assured that local departments would work closely with the company to facilitate investment procedures efficiently.

Regarding Lien Khuong Airport, Chairman Tran Hong Thai noted that it is classified as a 4D international airport according to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. He further stated that Lam Dong province plans to expand international routes to Singapore, South Korea, and Japan, while also working on upgrading the airport’s infrastructure.

Following the meeting, Lam Dong’s People’s Committee assigned relevant departments to coordinate discussions with China Railway Second Bureau, ensuring compliance with investment regulations.

Historical significance of the Da Lat – Thap Cham railway

 
The Da Lat – Thap Cham railway was constructed between 1908 and 1932, spanning a total length of 84 km. It was the world’s first mountain railway and remains a remarkable feat of engineering.

The railway features nine stations, five mountain tunnels, two major bridges, and two steep passes—Ngoan Muc Pass and D’ran Pass.

Three sections of the railway (totaling 16 km) were built with a cogwheel system to navigate slopes with a gradient of 12%, overcoming an altitude difference of over 1,500 meters. These sections include Song Pha Pass – Eo Gio, Don Duong – Tram Hanh, and Da Tho – Trai Mat.

Today, only the 6.7-km Trai Mat – Da Lat section remains operational for tourist trains.

Xuan Ngoc