Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister Trần Hồng Hà emphasized the importance of clarity and thorough planning for the North-South high-speed rail project, stressing that there should be no “build-as-you-go” approach. The project, he stated, aims not only to establish a state-of-the-art rail line but also to develop a robust high-speed rail industry capable of managing construction, operations, and maintenance.
During the third meeting of the Steering Committee on the Investment Policy for National Key Railway Projects, Transport Deputy Minister Nguyễn Danh Huy revealed that the project is slated to begin construction in December 2027. Preparations include finalizing a comprehensive roadmap, securing government approvals, selecting consultants, and planning major tender packages.
To support the project, various ministries are coordinating their efforts. The Ministry of Education and Training is working on manpower planning and international training collaborations, while the Ministry of Construction is prioritizing the selection of globally experienced design and supervision consultants.
Deputy Prime Minister Hà further instructed the Ministry of Transport to carefully evaluate legal frameworks, revise railway laws, and establish technical standards for high-speed rail systems. Policies will also be introduced to ensure the selection of top-tier international consultants and local companies capable of contributing to the project’s success.
The Ministry of Transport is also tasked with detailed urban and rural development planning along the railway line, addressing land acquisition, and securing funding through a mix of public budgets, bonds, ODA, and land resources.
The Vietnam Railway Corporation has been directed to restructure and prepare its organizational framework to manage and operate the rail system upon project completion.
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Source: Vietnam Insider