"Les grands axes de Plan Doumer, tels qu'ls étaient representés dans un oposcule écrit en 1903 par l'illustre Gouverneur-général," Document Paul Carenco

Governor-General Paul Doumer's “1898 Programme” comprised six major components:

(i) Hà Nội-Saigon – the future “Transindochinois,” with provision for two future branch lines – one leading off from Tourcham (Phan Rang) to connect with the future administrative capital at the hill station of Đà Lạt; and the other commencing at Tân Ấp which would eventually make possible an alternative “Interior Route” via Thakhek, Savannakhet and Kratie;

(ii) Hải Phòng-Yunnan-fu – a line of exploitation into China, which would connect with the “Transindochinois” in Hà Nội;

(iii) Saigon-Phnom Penh-Mongkolborey – the beginnings of a junction between Indochina railways and the line through Siam and Malaya to Singapore;

(iv) Mỹ Tho-Cần Thơ – an extension of the existing Saigon-Mytho line into the Mekong Delta;

(v) Quảng Trị province-Savannakhet (Laos) – connecting the coast of Annam with the Mekong River;

(vi) Quy Nhơn-Kon Tum – connecting the coast of southern Annam with the Central Highlands.

Of these components, the Saigon-Phnom Penh line, the Mỹ Tho-Cần Thơ extension, the Quảng Trị province-Savannakhet line and the Quy Nhơn-Kon Tum line would not be realised. One additional line not envisaged in the “1898 Programme” – the Bến Đồng Sổ-Lọc Ninh rubber plantation line – would be added in the 1920s.

 

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