The Government Office has released the conclusions of the Standing Government at the sixth meeting of the steering committee for key national railway projects.

Regarding the Lao Cai–Ha Noi–Hai Phong railway, the conclusions state that for Component Project 1, the Ministry of Construction must continue directing the project management unit and contractors to accelerate construction and ensure timely completion.

For Component Project 2, the ministry must direct the project management unit and consultants to finalize the feasibility study report no later than March, approve the project in July, and begin construction on major items in the third quarter of this year.

On loan negotiations, the Ministry of Finance will lead coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Construction to expedite negotiations on loan agreements in March, while proactively calculating mobilization from multiple sources, including the state budget, government bond issuance, approximately USD 2 billion saved from the five percent reduction in public investment spending for 2026, and concessional loans if negotiations proceed smoothly.

Regarding negotiations on the agreement to construct a cross-border railway bridge between Vietnam and China, the Ministry of Construction will coordinate with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to accelerate negotiations within the first quarter.

On resolving overlaps with the expressway project connecting to Gia Binh Airport, the Ministry of Construction and the Ha Noi People's Committee must finalize a solution within the first quarter. The ministry will, within its authority, implement necessary tasks to ensure synchronization with the expressway project.

Local authorities and the Vietnam Electricity Group are required to urgently carry out compensation, support, resettlement, land clearance, and relocation of technical electrical infrastructure.

For the North–South high-speed railway project, the Ministry of Construction must fully incorporate feedback from the Standing Government and relevant agencies and finalize the technology and partner selection report - including the main report, summary submission, and draft conclusions. This must be submitted to the Government Party Committee before February 20 to obtain guidance from competent authorities.

Selection of consultants to prepare the feasibility study should be completed within the second quarter. The ministry will continue evaluating investment models to identify the most optimal approach that balances the interests of the state, the public, and enterprises.

Local authorities and the Vietnam Electricity Group must continue accelerating land clearance and infrastructure relocation under the resolution approved at the 10th session of the 15th National Assembly. During project preparation, investment models will continue to be examined to encourage participation from major domestic corporations, ensuring balanced interests between the state and private investors.

On the planning of the Ha Noi–Lang Son and Hai Phong–Mong Cai railway lines, the Ministry of Construction must expedite the signing of technical support agreements with China and complete the planning within this year.

The Standing Government and the Prime Minister have approved the proposal to assign the Quang Ninh Provincial People's Committee as the lead agency for the Mong Cai–Quang Ninh–Hai Phong railway project to enhance regional connectivity and promote tourism and trade with China. The Ministry of Construction must urgently implement the directives of Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha in document No. 785/VPCP-CN dated January 23, guiding Quang Ninh authorities to comply with legal procedures and report to the Prime Minister before February 10.

On urban railway projects, Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City must proactively deploy their respective metro lines, ensuring progress and quality, particularly the line connecting Ho Chi Minh City to Long Thanh International Airport. In Ha Noi, key lines include the Nhon–Ha Noi Station underground section, the Van Cao–Hoa Lac line, and the Nam Thang Long–Tran Hung Dao line. For the Van Cao–Hoa Lac line, authorities must negotiate with contractors to shorten construction time by one to two years as reported by the Ha Noi leadership. Cities must also review planning and develop metro systems “deeper underground” in alignment with the resolutions of the 14th Party Congress.

The Ministry of Construction, the Ministry of Science and Technology, and local authorities must urgently study and propose the National Technical Standards for Urban Railways.

Three ministries - Defense, Finance, and Construction - must coordinate to resolve bottlenecks related to land clearance, funding, and administrative procedures.

 
Ngan Anh