On October 14, in Hanoi, Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung, Chairman of the State Appraisal Council, chaired a Council meeting to appraise the Pre-Feasibility Study Report of the high-speed railway project on the North-South axis.
Minister Nguyen Chi Dung said that the investment project to build a high-speed railway on the North-South axis has been agreed by the Politburo and the Party Central Committee to invest in the entire route with a design speed of 350km/h, transporting passengers, meeting dual-use requirements for national defense and security, and being able to transport goods when necessary.
According to the conclusion announcement, the State Appraisal Council requested the Ministry of Transport to carefully study the appraisal and verification reports, opinions of the council members, appraisal opinions of relevant ministries and branches, fully absorb and promptly complete the project's pre-feasibility study report, focusing on some specific contents.
Accordingly, regarding the project dossier, based on the conclusions of the Politburo, the Central Executive Committee and the Government Standing Committee, the Ministry of Transport will absorb, carefully review and fully supplement the project dossier content to ensure quality and efficiency.
Regarding the route and station location, clearly explain the acceptance of the direction of the Government Standing Committee, especially the technical factors that the route must be as straight as possible to reduce costs (especially the section through Nam Dinh province); Ensure the operating speed of trains, create new development space, avoid large residential areas and urban areas. But there must be a suitable and convenient connection plan for the shortest connection to airports and large seaports; conveniently link the East-West corridor and connect with railways in China, Laos, and Cambodia.
At the same time, continue to coordinate with localities where high-speed railway lines pass through to review and adjust the route direction and station locations of the project, especially locations with advantages in connecting with major traffic hubs, economic zones, etc.
Regarding the investment plan and project efficiency, the Council requested the Ministry of Transport to clarify the parameters on the investment scale of project items based on analysis and assessment of compliance with the standard framework applied to the project, the practice of similar projects in the world and suitability with the current circumstances, natural conditions, and socio-economic conditions of our country.
Along with that, review the content of the assessment of socio-economic efficiency and financial efficiency of the project accordingly, especially the data for calculating financial efficiency.
Regarding capital sources and capital balancing ability, the explanation clearly explains the capital mobilization plan and the capital balancing ability for the project to ensure feasibility and compliance with legal regulations.
Regarding special mechanisms and policies, review all groups of special mechanisms and policies stated in the project dossier and documents; carefully review and clarify the mechanisms and policies that are truly necessary for the project to report to the National Assembly for consideration and decision, ensuring legal validity and feasibility of implementation.
Regarding some other contents, the Appraisal Council proposed to review the overall data stated in the project's Pre-Feasibility Study Report with documents; clarify and enhance the ability to localize and master high-speed railway technology.
Continue to research and evaluate the advantages of public investment compared to other forms, especially for sections that do not have advantages in railway development; clarify the feasibility of implementing the project on schedule, project implementation time...
