The seven important laws adopted at the NA meeting covers science and technology, atomic energy, rail transport, banking regulation, mass organisations, military defence, and criminal procedure.

The Ministry of Transport (MoT) has requested more investment be prioritised for air and rail transport to the Central Highlands to ease pressure on road transport.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attended the year-beginning launch of forces for the upgrade of the Nha Trang - Saigon rail route at Thap Cham Station in the south-central province of Ninh Thuan on January 26.

The General Department of Vietnam Customs has asked relevant parties to boost the exportation of agricultural products by rail, especially across the northern border, in response to overloaded land transport and soaring costs.

More than 470 billion VND (20 million USD) will be potentially earmarked for the renovation of train stations in northern Vietnam, according to a feasibility report by the management board of railway projects.

Deputy Prime Minister Le Van Thanh has requested the Vietnam Railway Corporation (VNR) to make drastic reforms so as to address shortcomings and develop the sector further in the time ahead.

The Prime Minister has demanded localities seriously comply with the order for passenger transport resumption given the importance of this type of transport.

The Sai Gon Railway Transport Joint Stock Company is offering a total of 4,600 tickets at a discount of 50 percent between June 22 and July 8 to attract summer vacationers.

Up to 147 accidents occurred during the four-day New Year holidays (December 29-January 1), claiming 110 lives and wounding 61 people, reported the National Committee for Traffic Safety.

Vietnam is planning to build a new higher speed rail route connecting the capital city of Hanoi to the northern border with China to boost two-way trade.