On the afternoon of December 23, in Hanoi, Politburo member and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh chaired a meeting of the Government Standing Committee to listen to opinions on the implementation of key railway projects and direct the acceleration of projects.
Reporting on the Lao Cai - Hanoi - Hai Phong railway project, the leader of the Ministry of Construction said that component project 1 of infrastructure investment and connection of stations has been approved and has now started construction of the first 5 stations on December 19, 2025; at the same time, the survey and design of the remaining 16 stations are being conducted to start construction in the first quarter of 2026.
For component project 2, the survey of the site, transportation demand, meteorological, hydrological, materials, and waste dump data has been completed and the feasibility study report is expected to be completed in March 2026, as a basis for appraisal and approval in July 2026. The Railway Project Management Board is designing technical design and appointing a consulting contractor.
Regarding the North-South high-speed railway project, currently 11/15 localities have reviewed the demand and identified resettlement areas. Vietnam Electricity Group has conducted a review, counting, and developing a plan to relocate power projects.
To date, 12/15 localities have reported the need to register central budget capital. Regarding the work of preparing a feasibility study report, a contract is currently being negotiated to be signed in December 2025.
Regarding urban railway projects in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi is implementing route 3 of the Hanoi - Hoang Mai section, is selecting technical assistance consultants, the Prime Minister has decided to allow the mobilization of ODA capital and foreign loans for the project.
Regarding the high-speed railway project on the North-South axis, the Prime Minister requested the Ministry of Science and Technology; the Ministry of Construction to review regulations and standards based on world and Vietnamese experience to select construction technology to ensure technical, economic, political, diplomatic, national defense and security factors, technology transfer capability, operation, etc.
On that basis, set out standards, criteria, and regulations to select the most suitable and optimal investment method for the country, ensuring publicity, transparency, feasibility, ensuring harmony of interests between participating entities, and preventing negativity, corruption, and group interests.
The Prime Minister requested that in January 2026, the Ministry of Construction coordinate with relevant ministries and branches to complete the impact assessment of investment methods; propose mechanisms and policies for each method to submit to the Government.
At the same time, urgently complete the selection of survey consultants; guide localities to immediately implement site clearance projects; continue to complete the set of standards and technology regulations.
Regarding the Lao Cai - Hanoi - Hai Phong railway project, opinions say that the Chinese side assessed that Vietnam implemented it 1.5 - 2 years faster than similar projects that China cooperated with ASEAN countries.
Regarding component project 1 (infrastructure investment connecting stations on the route and station square) which started construction on December 19, the Prime Minister requested the Ministry of Construction to implement it correctly and ahead of schedule.
The Prime Minister also requested agencies to develop a specific roadmap for human resource training and a localization roadmap to the maximum extent to contribute to the development of the railway industry.
