Urges swift completion of feasibility study for the Lao Cai-Hanoi-Haiphong railway project, emphasized by the Prime Minister
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh chaired a high-level meeting on Sunday evening to review the Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong railway project, a strategic infrastructure project aligned with major goals outlined in the 13th National Party Congress.
The railway project, spanning approximately 419 kilometres, is expected to cost over VND203 trillion (US$7.69 billion). The project starts from the border rail link in Lao Cai and ends at Laach Huyen Station in Hai Phong.
PM Chinh emphasised the need to advance technical design work for the Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong railway project. To this end, the Ministry of Construction was instructed to urgently complete the project's feasibility study to ensure timely commencement on December 19 this year.
The Ministry of Construction will work with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment on route alignment and environmental matters. Land clearance has been initiated across 20 provinces and cities along the route of the railway project, with local authorities directed to ensure land clearance in accordance with the National Assembly's Resolution.
To secure capital for rail infrastructure projects, PM Chinh directed proactive mobilisation of public investment capital and exploration of additional sources, including loans from institutions such as the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB).
The meeting focused on finalising high-speed railway standards and securing capital for rail infrastructure projects. The Ministry of Construction was requested to coordinate with the Ministry of Science and Technology to finalise and publish relevant railway standards and regulations by October.
PM Chinh reiterated the principle of "six specifics" - clear assignment of personnel, tasks, timelines, responsibilities, authority, and products. Deputy Prime Ministers were assigned to directly oversee key areas, and the Government Office was tasked with monitoring and expediting the progress of the Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong railway project.
Ministries and agencies were required to submit weekly progress reports for the Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong railway project. The railway project, when completed, is intended to serve as a catalyst for Vietnam's industrialisation and modernisation.
The railway project aims to enhance domestic transport, international connectivity with China, drive sustainable socio-economic growth, strengthen national and regional rail links, promote environmental protection, and bolster national defence and climate resilience.
In addition, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Construction were tasked with preparing for a meeting of the Việt Nam - China Joint Railway Cooperation Committee. The search results do not provide information about who commissioned the modernization project of the rail traffic between Lào Cai, Hà Nội, and Hải Phòng to accelerate the implementation of the report by the planned construction start on December 19 this year.
The railway project is designed to establish a modern, integrated railway line. When completed, it is expected to play a significant role in Vietnam's economic development and regional connectivity. The ground-breaking for the large-scale construction is scheduled for December 19 this year.
