The Prime Minister stressed the need to urgently resolve bottlenecks, finalize project procedures, and ensure that construction of the Lao Cai–Hanoi–Hai Phong railway begins as scheduled on December 19.

According to reports from the Ministry of Construction, since the previous meeting on July 9, the government has issued nearly 20 directives addressing legal, logistical, and financial challenges. Out of 39 key tasks, 16 have been completed, including personnel training initiatives, technical standards, and land clearance.

Ninh Binh province was particularly praised for its efficient land acquisition work and transit-oriented development (TOD) planning covering over 5,000 hectares across three station areas.

The Steering Committee reviewed project progress and legal issues that still hinder timely execution. Among the most pressing tasks is finalizing land clearance and securing capital sources. Land for 34 relocation sites is already being prepared in Ninh Binh, while the Vietnamese Electricity Corporation has begun shifting 110kV+ power lines.

The Ministry of Construction was tasked with coordinating with Hanoi, Hai Phong, and Bac Ninh to finalize station locations - especially the complex sites at Nam Hai Phong, Yen Thuong, and Kim Son - by the end of October.

The Ministry of Science and Technology must also finish drafting 37 national standards for high-speed rail this month, based on ISO norms. These will underpin Vietnam’s efforts to develop its North–South high-speed railway.

The government reiterated the principle of “3 has and 2 no’s”: benefits for the state, the people, and businesses; with no corruption or waste of public funds. All ministries and agencies must embody responsibility, innovation, and initiative - avoiding delay or passivity.

The Prime Minister assigned each agency specific tasks, including:

The Ministry of Finance to coordinate with local governments on land clearance funding and initiate bond issuance.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to fast-track environmental and forestry land approvals before October 25.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs to urge Chinese partners to accelerate feasibility studies for construction packages under Component 2 of the Lao Cai–Hanoi–Hai Phong line.

The Ministry of Construction to complete preparation for breaking ground on Component 1 on December 19, including infrastructure links and public squares at stations.

The Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Construction were asked to review legal mechanisms to attract both public and private investment. The Ministry of Science and Technology will finalize technical standards for high-speed trains.

For Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City’s urban rail systems, local governments must expedite project adjustment procedures, land reclamation, and funding proposals for ODA and concessional loans. Special attention must be paid to the urban rail connecting Long Thanh and Tan Son Nhat airports.

The Prime Minister directed the Ministry of Construction to complete consultant selection for the North–South high-speed rail feasibility study by Q1 2026. He also assigned the Ministry of Transport to work with the railway corporation to draft a comprehensive plan for technology transfer and workforce training.

The government also reaffirmed its “6 clears” approach: clear tasks, people, timeline, responsibility, products, and authority - ensuring “3 easies”: easy to inspect, monitor, and evaluate.

Finally, all ministries and localities must report on outstanding assignments from the previous meeting, ensuring no delay affects the overall progress of railway development in Vietnam.

VGP