The Hanoi Metropolitan Railway Management Board (MRB) has confirmed that a contract dispute has arisen within Package CP06 of the Nhon - Hanoi Station metro project, part of Hanoi's pilot urban railway Line 3.

According to MRB, implementation of Package CP06 - covering the design and installation of Railway Systems 1, including rolling stock, depot equipment, central control systems (CC/SCADA), signaling, telecommunications and power supply systems - is continuing in coordination with relevant parties in accordance with contractual provisions, Vietnamese law and commitments made to project financiers.

MRB noted that for large-scale infrastructure projects using international contracts and involving highly complex technical requirements, disagreements over costs, schedules and responsibilities are not uncommon during implementation.

Over recent months, the agency has worked closely with consultants, contractors, government authorities and other stakeholders to review and clarify technical issues, project timelines, costs and contractual matters arising during execution.

Authorities seek solutions to avoid delays

MRB said that for matters still under review, all parties are being asked to provide complete documentation, supporting materials and relevant evidence to ensure assessments and decisions are conducted objectively, transparently and in compliance with contractual obligations, Vietnamese regulations and applicable international practices.

At the same time, the authority is studying technical, legal and organizational solutions to ensure project continuity and limit any adverse impact on the overall schedule.

MRB added that project progress and proposed measures to address outstanding issues are being reported regularly to the Hanoi People's Committee and other relevant state agencies.

Following instructions from the municipal government, MRB is also coordinating with partners and related agencies to conduct independent assessments of several technical matters. The findings will serve as a basis for further discussions and agreement on appropriate solutions.

The agency noted that the Hanoi People's Committee, relevant authorities, the Embassy of France in Vietnam and project partners are actively working together to resolve remaining obstacles and accelerate construction of the underground section.

Hanoi seeks urgent report on dispute

Earlier on June 9, Hanoi's Department of Construction requested that MRB urgently submit a report on the status of the dispute and measures taken to resolve issues within Package CP06.

According to the department, the prolonged dispute could jeopardize the target of completing the entire metro line by 2027 and may increase the project's total investment cost.

Although MRB had been urged to provide updates since late May, authorities said no detailed report on dispute resolution efforts or related documentation had yet been submitted.

The Department of Construction has asked MRB to clarify the causes of the dispute, assess its impact on project progress, finances and technical implementation, and evaluate the effectiveness of legal advisory services before June 12.

The Nhon - Hanoi Station section of Metro Line 3 stretches 12.5 kilometers, including 8.5 kilometers of elevated track with eight stations and four kilometers of underground alignment with four underground stations.

The elevated section from Nhon to Cau Giay is already operating commercially, while construction continues on the underground section from Cau Giay to Hanoi Station.

Originally launched in 2009 with a completion target of 2015, the project has undergone multiple schedule revisions. Under the current plan, the entire line is expected to be completed and put into operation in 2027.

Vu Diep