The Ministry of Construction has submitted a document to the Ministry of Finance to include four major railway development projects in the national list of projects calling for foreign direct investment (FDI) during the 2026–2030 period.

A groundbreaking ceremony for the Hanoi – Quang Ninh high-speed railway project is scheduled to take place on April 12.

Entering 2026, with the completion of a basic legal framework, Vietnam’s key national railway projects are moving into an accelerated implementation phase, notably the North–South high-speed railway and the Lao Cai–Hanoi–Hai Phong railway line.

For the first time, Vietnam has officially introduced criteria that prioritize domestic companies in railway projects, tied directly to technology transfer - replacing the old method of full-package imports.

New Railway Law aims to balance private sector engagement and state oversight

The government leader reiterated that the land clearance work has been separated from the investment projects and assigned to localities.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on July 9 called on ministries, sectors, and local authorities to take active and responsible roles in carrying out national key railway projects.

During the visit, the parties exchanged ideas on high-tech material solutions and technologies that could be applied to national strategic transport infrastructure projects, particularly the North–South high-speed railway project.

Railway reform law encourages private sector with streamlined approvals and financial support.

The Minister of Construction has firmly asserted that private investors participating in railway development projects will never be allowed to sell such projects to foreign parties.

The North–South high-speed rail line is expected to span approximately 1,541 kilometres, connecting Ngoc Hoi Station in Hanoi with Thu Thiem Station in Ho Chi Minh City, and traversing 20 provinces and centrally governed cities.

The Ministry of Construction has just issued a document requesting the Railway Project Management Board to review the investment plan for the Yen Vien - Pha Lai - Ha Long - Cai Lan railway line.

Vietnam and China sign major railway and road agreements, including support for the Lao Cai - Hanoi - Hai Phong line.

The Ministry of Construction is seeking public feedback on the draft master plan for the Lao Cai - Hanoi - Hai Phong - Quang Ninh railway line, which spans over 461km and is projected to cost more than VND 203 trillion (approximately $8 billion).

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has signed a decision establishing a steering committee for key national railway projects, with himself acting as its head.

China Railway Second Bureau has expressed interest in collaborating with Lam Dong province to restore the historic Da Lat – Thap Cham railway.

Authorities at the meeting discussed the implementation of National Assembly Resolution 187/2025/QH15 regarding the investment policy for the Lào Cai - Hà Nội - Hải Phòng railway project.

The Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong railway will span approximately 390.9 kilometers for the main route, with 27.9 kilometers of branch lines.

The Ministry of Transport (MoT) recommends reviewing the existing organisations and establishing a unified Government-level Steering Committee to comprehensively oversee the railway sector.