Crafting a Captivating Workforce for the High-Speed Rail Project: A Prelude to Success

Discussing the preparation options for the high-speed rail project, many experts believe that with this special project, some specific mechanisms and policies, if applied, will determine its success. Firstly, it is essential to allocate funds immediately for preparatory tasks such as human resource training, consulting services, compensation, site clearance, and communication right after the National Assembly decides on the investment policy. This is an exceptionally large-scale project with no precedents, but the opportunity is ripe, and it needs to be implemented to drive the country’s development in the new era.

Mr. Nguyen Hong Phuong, Director of the Railway Project Management Board, under the Ministry of Transport, elaborated: “According to our research and design consultants, there are three types of training: domestic, overseas, and a combination of both. Training is designed for four levels: workers, engineers, masters, and doctors. The training serves five subjects: state management, project management, operating units, training institutions, and research institutions. We have estimated the number of personnel for each subject.”

The North-South high-speed rail project will require nearly 14,000 personnel to operate and exploit the project in the future. Therefore, preparing human resources for the high-speed rail project is identified as an urgent task.

Mr. Hoang Gia Khanh, General Director of Vietnam Railways Corporation, analyzed: “In preparing for human resource development, we consider this a crucial task as the number of personnel required is significant, approximately 14,000. We are sending our staff to study abroad in developed countries with advanced railway industries.”

According to the railway network planning for the period 2021-2030, with a vision towards 2050, Vietnam’s railway network is extensive, comprising 25 routes with a total length of 6,354 km, including seven existing railway lines and 18 new ones.

The North-South high-speed rail project is one of the three critical lines along the North-South economic corridor that needs investment to create a new driving force for socio-economic development. Hence, preparing human resources to implement and operate the project over the long term is essential.

Mr. Nguyen Danh Huy, Deputy Minister of Transport, stated: “Mechanisms and policies for human resource training are given high priority. This is the first project that involves not only execution but also operation. The goal is to master the operation, exploitation, repair, maintenance, and infrastructure maintenance. We cannot depend on others for the entire project life cycle.”

During the discussions on this important project, some National Assembly delegates raised the issue of our urgent investment in renovating the Hanoi-Lao Cai, Hanoi-Dong Dang, Hanoi-Quang Ninh railway lines, and even the Hanoi-Lao Cai and Hanoi-Dong Dang international interconnecting lines with China. Therefore, it is crucial to have a connected railway network to achieve efficient exploitation in the future.

Mr. Phan Duc Hieu, a member of the Economic Committee of the National Assembly, suggested the need for a mechanism and strategy to train human resources and prepare conditions for domestic enterprises to participate.

“It is desirable for domestic human resources and enterprises to take the lead. This is a clear policy. The issue is that we need a flexible strategy and mechanism to implement this, linked to the role of domestic enterprises,” said Mr. Phan Duc Hieu.

It can be seen that realizing the dream of high-speed rail will be a long journey with many challenges. It is necessary to focus on preparing options, and human resource preparation, in particular, needs to be carefully and systematically calculated.