Da Lat Proposes 101-Kilometre Electric Rail Network Connecting Airport and Tourist Destinations

Vietnam, November 2026 – A consulting team has proposed six urban railway lines with a combined length of approximately 101.43 kilometres under the draft master plan for five urban wards in Da Lat. The proposal, announced by the Lam Dong Provincial People's Committee on 4 November, is currently undergoing public consultation before the plan is finalised. The network would use either surface trams or monorail systems to connect the city centre with key transport gateways and tourism areas.

The proposed network includes a priority connection between Da Lat Railway Station and Lien Khuong International Airport, located approximately 28 kilometres from the city centre. This route is targeted for further study and potential implementation before 2030. The remaining five lines are planned for development after 2030, including connections to Suoi Vang Lake, Langbiang Mountain, Tuyen Lam Lake, the Valley of Love and Tung Lam. Individual proposed routes include the 18.5-kilometre Da Lat Station–Suoi Vang line, the 8.55-kilometre An Kroet–Langbiang line and the 15.78-kilometre Da Lat Station–Tuyen Lam Lake line.

Beyond the six proposed lines, the master plan also identifies three existing bus routes for potential conversion into tram or monorail services by 2035. These include connections between Prenn Pass and Mai Anh Dao Bus Station, Cam Ly and Darahoa, and Prenn Pass and Lien Nghia Bus Station. The proposed improvements aim to establish a more integrated public transport network while reducing reliance on private vehicles and easing congestion around the city's historic centre.

The plan also includes the proposed restoration of the 84-kilometre Thap Cham–Da Lat railway, which uses a 1,000 mm track gauge. Originally constructed by the French between 1908 and 1932, the mountain railway was largely discontinued following damage during the Vietnam War. Only an approximately seven-kilometre section between Da Lat and Trai Mat currently operates, primarily serving tourists. Its restoration is intended to improve connections between the Central Highlands and Vietnam's south-central coastal region while supporting railway tourism.

The proposals reflect Da Lat's broader ambition to transition towards a multi-centre urban development model supported by integrated public transport infrastructure. If implemented, the electric rail network and restored regional railway could strengthen airport accessibility, connect major tourism destinations and establish new opportunities for sustainable urban mobility. However, the projects remain part of a draft master plan and are subject to further review and approval.

Source: VnExpress International