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Optimizing the Lao Cai-Hanoi-Haiphong Railway Route: Streamlining the Journey

25 December, 2024

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh surveys the Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong railway project in Lao Cai Province. (Photo: Duong Giang/VNA)

As part of his working program in Lao Cai, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on December 22, surveyed the investment project for the construction of the Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong railway and attended the groundbreaking ceremony for a social housing project in Lao Cai city.

Accompanying the Prime Minister were Minister of Transport Tran Hong Minh; Minister, Chairman of the Committee for Ethnic Minorities Hau A Lenh; Secretary of the Lao Cai Party Committee Dang Xuan Phong; and leaders of central and local ministries and agencies.

The Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong railway is expected to have a total investment of approximately 11.6 billion USD and a total length of nearly 400 kilometers. The railway will pass through 9 provinces and cities, including Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Phu Tho, Vinh Phuc, Hanoi, Bac Ninh, Hung Yen, Hai Duong, and Hai Phong.

The railway is expected to be inaugurated in late 2030, with construction starting in late 2025.

During the field survey at the connection point with the Chinese railway and the expected location of Lao Cai station, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh requested that to achieve the goal of simultaneous inauguration of the project in late 2025, the Ministry of Transport closely coordinate with ministries, agencies, and localities to promptly complete the project dossiers, especially regarding investment policies and mechanisms, for submission to the government and authorized agencies for approval.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh surveys the Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong railway project in Lao Cai Province. (Photo: Duong Giang/VNA)

Emphasizing the importance of the project and the need for early implementation, the Prime Minister requested that procedures be streamlined and that the selection of design consultants and contractors be carefully considered, either through bidding or direct appointment, to ensure the fastest implementation. He also directed that the route of the railway should be designed with the straightest and shortest alignment possible, deviating from the old route, and that the number and location of freight and passenger stations be adjusted for efficient operation.

In addition, the design should ensure a compatible operating speed and track gauge with the Chinese railway system. Close coordination with the Chinese side is essential to ensure a seamless connection between the two countries’ railways.

The Prime Minister emphasized the need for a long-term vision and comprehensive planning, instructing the ministries, agencies, and localities involved to simultaneously develop logistics centers, service yards, free trade zones, and urban areas along the railway to maximize its efficiency. He also suggested studying mechanisms to attract investment in components such as stations, service areas, and logistics centers.

Prime Minister Chinh directed the Ministry of Transport to establish a specialized task force, led by a deputy minister, to oversee the project’s implementation.

Localities along the railway route were instructed to take responsibility for land clearance and ground leveling to facilitate the project’s progress.

The Prime Minister also emphasized the importance of close coordination among the ministries, agencies, and localities involved. He instructed them to promptly report any difficulties or problems to the government, the Prime Minister, and authorized agencies for timely resolution.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and delegates at the groundbreaking ceremony for the social housing project in Lao Cai. (Photo: Duong Giang/VNA)

In the afternoon, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the Golden Square Lao Cai social housing project, organized by the Joint Venture of Dong A Golden Square JSC and Foodinco Quy Nhon JSC, a member of Alphanam Group, in Bac Leng Ward, Lao Cai City.

The Golden Square Lao Cai social housing project covers an area of 42,317.7 square meters and is expected to accommodate a population of 5,589 people. It comprises four buildings ranging from 18 to 23 stories, with a total of 2,189 apartments and an investment of VND 2,085 billion. The project is scheduled for completion between 2024 and 2029.

The project features a modern infrastructure system and a range of convenient facilities, including a kindergarten, entertainment and sports centers, outdoor playgrounds, gardens, and a smart and eco-friendly parking lot.

Speaking at the ceremony, which coincided with the 80th anniversary of the Vietnam People’s Army and the 35th anniversary of All People’s Defense Day, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh commended the efforts and spirit of the army and called for the same dedication and commitment in completing tasks, overcoming challenges, and delivering on promises to contribute to the country’s development and bring about a better life for the people.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh delivers a speech at the groundbreaking ceremony for the social housing project in Lao Cai. (Photo: Duong Giang/VNA)

The Prime Minister appreciated Lao Cai’s determination and ambition for growth and its active contribution to implementing the Party’s policy of balancing economic growth with social progress and equality. He emphasized that the Golden Square Lao Cai project is a step towards realizing the proposal to build at least one million social housing units and requested the province and relevant parties to continue their efforts in developing social housing while also aiming to eradicate temporary and dilapidated housing in the province by June 2025.

He instructed ministries, sectors, and localities to innovate their approaches, streamline procedures, and eliminate red tape in implementing social housing projects. He also emphasized the need for faster preparation and implementation of these projects by promoting decentralization and empowering localities.

The Prime Minister urged localities to expedite land planning and handover to investors. He emphasized the importance of harmonious interests, shared risks, and mutual benefits among all parties involved in social housing projects, ensuring that the very humane policy of the Party and State on social housing development is not distorted.

Prime Minister Chinh also highlighted the need to change the perception of quality and living environment in social housing. He stated that social housing should not be associated with substandard conditions or considered as a last resort when commercial housing is not available. With support from the government in terms of land and financial policies, as well as contributions from other parties, social housing should be of good quality, environmentally friendly, and equipped with essential infrastructure, including transportation, water supply, electricity, telecommunications, healthcare, and education facilities.

The Prime Minister also suggested that relevant agencies research and improve policies to provide long-term support, ranging from 5 to 10 years, for those who buy, rent, or rent-to-own social housing, instead of the current two-year limit.

Pham Tiep