On February 19, 2024, the Government Office issued Document No. 57/TB-VPCP announcing the conclusion of the Permanent Government at the meeting on the High-Speed Railway Investment Project on the North-South axis.
Land allocation around the station area for urban development
Regarding the investment scenario, the Permanent Government requests the Ministry of Transport to continue studying and carefully evaluating various options, seeking input from experts to choose the most suitable option (comparing the options of passenger and cargo transport simultaneously; options for passenger transport only); high-speed railway on the North-South axis for passenger transport, while goods are primarily transported by sea (seaports, inland waterways) and upgrading the existing railway line.
Regarding the route direction, the Ministry of Transport is studying and reviewing the route direction to ensure the straightest route possible and create new space. Further studies are being conducted to reduce the number of stations to reduce costs.
The Permanent Government urgently requests the completion of the North-South high-speed railway project.
The Ministry of Transport continues to seek opinions from experts, scientists, and experienced railway officials on multiple options to select the optimal option to submit to the Party Central Committee. Urgent completion of the project plan, submission to the Permanent Government, submission to the Party Central Committee in March 2024. Urgent completion of the feasibility study report of the project, submission to the National Assembly for consideration, and decision on investment policy in 2024.
The Ministry of Planning and Investment, as the Standing Agency of the State Appraisal Council, continues to carry out procedures to promptly complete the appraisal of the feasibility study report in accordance with regulations, coordinating with the Ministry of Transport to actively develop a cooperation plan with foreign sponsors to mobilize appropriate sources of funding.
Provincial and municipal People’s Committees closely manage the allocated land agreed upon with the Ministry of Transport to facilitate the project implementation process. Priority is given to land allocation around the station area for the development of urban areas and functional zones according to the TOD model.
Early restart of the Yen Vien – Ha Long – Cai Lan project
The Permanent Government requests the Ministry of Transport to lead and coordinate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant agencies to urgently work with China to reach a consensus on the memorandum of understanding, support and investment cooperation plans for the Wuxi – Ha Noi – Hai Phong, Ha Noi – Dong Dang, Ha Long – Mong Cai railway lines (extended coastal railway line Nam Dinh – Thai Binh – Quang Ninh).
The Permanent Government urges for the early restart of the Yen Vien – Cai Lan railway project.
It is necessary to invest in the Lao Cai – Ha Noi – Hai Phong, Ha Noi – Dong Dang, Mong Cai – Ha Long – Hai Phong routes, combining both cargo and passenger transport; Can Tho – Ho Chi Minh City route is mainly for passengers. In the immediate future, the focus should be on investing in Lao Cai – Ha Noi – Hai Phong routes (striving to commence construction in 2025), studying the use of preferential foreign loans (clearly determining: preferential loan interest rates, loan amounts, and loan terms), and bond issuance plans for investment.
In addition, the Permanent Government also requests for the early restart and implementation of the investment in the Yen Vien – Pha Lai – Ha Long – Cai Lan railway line in accordance with Conclusion No. 49-KL/TW of the Party Central Committee.
