Prime Minister addressing the meeting on January 6th. Photo: VGP
Yesterday afternoon (January 6th), at the Government Office, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Head of the Steering Committee for Key Projects and Important National Railway Projects, chaired the fifth meeting of the Steering Committee. One of the notable highlights of the meeting was the high-speed railway project on the North-South axis, with an estimated total investment of $67 billion.
In his concluding remarks, the Prime Minister stated that the Steering Committee has operated effectively, assigning 75 specific tasks, with agencies completing 38 out of 47 tasks following the fourth meeting. Notably, the first component project of the Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong route was launched on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution. Several resettlement areas have been developed, and land clearance funds have been allocated to localities, with active participation from local authorities.
Regarding technical and human resource conditions, standards and regulations for high-speed railways have been issued. A large-scale human resource training program has been implemented, with approximately 450 personnel holding degrees from engineer level and above.
Additionally, international cooperation and diplomacy have been strengthened. A joint committee mechanism with China has been established and operationalized, laying the groundwork for connectivity projects.
Urgent Proposal for Technology and Investment Modalities for the $67 Billion Project
Prime Minister chairing the meeting on January 6th. Photo: VGP
During the meeting, the Prime Minister assigned specific tasks to ministries, sectors, and localities for the implementation of specific railway projects.
Specifically, for the high-speed railway project on the North-South axis, the Ministry of Construction, based on the Politburo’s directives, is to lead the selection of the most suitable technology for the project, submit it to the Standing Government for reporting to competent authorities, and complete this by January 15th. The Ministry of Construction will appoint a consultant to prepare a feasibility study report, ensuring compliance with procedures, regulations, and authority. Additionally, the Ministry of Construction will coordinate with relevant ministries and agencies to propose investment modalities (public investment, PPP, or business) for reporting at the next Steering Committee meeting.
Localities and Vietnam Electricity Group will continue to accelerate land clearance and relocation of technical infrastructure as per approved plans and the National Assembly’s Resolution at the 10th session of the 15th National Assembly. Viettel and VNPT Groups will also continue to implement assigned tasks related to systems and control technologies.
For the Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong railway project, regarding the second component project, the Prime Minister instructed the Ministry of Construction to complete the feasibility study report and approve the project by June 2026 for early commencement. The Ministry of Finance is responsible for ensuring sufficient capital for project implementation, including favorable loan options.
Furthermore, to expedite the completion of planning for the Hanoi – Lang Son and Hai Phong – Ha Long – Mong Cai railway routes, the Prime Minister agreed to assign and commended Quang Ninh Province for taking the lead as the investor for the Hai Phong – Ha Long – Mong Cai route in accordance with legal regulations.
Regarding urban railway projects, the Prime Minister praised Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City for proactively implementing routes within their authority, ensuring connectivity and technology transfer. Priority is given to the route connecting Tan Son Nhat and Long Thanh airports, as well as the Van Cao – Hoa Lac route in Hanoi. The Prime Minister tasked the Ministry of Construction and the Ministry of Science and Technology with developing national technical standards for urban railways. Ministries will collaborate to address challenges related to land clearance, capital, and procedures.
Additionally, the Prime Minister directed the Ministry of Construction to coordinate with the Ministry of Education and Training and Vietnam Railways Corporation to effectively implement the Human Resource Development Scheme for Vietnam Railways until 2035, with a vision to 2045. A specific roadmap and plan will be developed to timely train human resources for the construction, management, and operation of railway lines, particularly the Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong route.
The Prime Minister requested ministries, sectors, and localities to closely coordinate with the Ministry of Construction in all stages and urged the State Audit Office to support auditing from the project’s inception. Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha was instructed to closely monitor and urge ministries, sectors, and localities to implement assigned tasks effectively and promptly resolve any difficulties.
In reality, the North-South high-speed railway project spans approximately 1,541 km, from Ngoc Hoi Station (Hanoi) to Thu Thiem Station (Ho Chi Minh City), passing through 15 provinces and cities, with 23 stations. The railway is designed to operate at speeds exceeding 300 km/h, significantly reducing North-South travel time. The preliminary total investment is $67 billion, with efforts to commence construction this year and complete it by 2035.
Previously, on December 25, 2025, Vingroup submitted a document to the Government withdrawing its registration to invest in the North-South High-Speed Railway Project. According to Vingroup, this decision was made after careful consideration to focus maximum resources on other key infrastructure projects currently underway.
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