Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Head of the Steering Committee for Key Railway Projects, has directed the establishment of a large railway conglomerate capable of mastering technology and producing train cars and locomotives. He made this statement during the committee’s first meeting on the evening of March 29.

Prioritizing the railway industry

The Steering Committee for Nationally Important Railway Projects was established on March 15 to assist the government and the Prime Minister in directing the implementation of key railway projects. These include the high-speed railway along the North-South axis and railway lines connecting Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong, Hanoi-Lang Son, and Mong Cai-Ha Long (Quang Ninh), as well as urban rail projects in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

During the first meeting, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized the critical importance of railway investment and the development of a domestic railway industry. He stressed the need to overcome limitations, embrace innovation, and foster self-reliance and national pride.

The Prime Minister outlined the goal of creating a robust railway industry capable of mastering technology, manufacturing train cars and locomotives, and building a comprehensive railway industrial ecosystem. He stated that strategic investment in railways is a key priority, particularly high-speed North-South railways, railways connecting seaports and industrial zones, major urban railways, and international railway links.

Developing railway expertise and industry

To support the development of the railway industry, the Prime Minister instructed the Ministry of Construction and the Ministry of Education and Training to establish training programs for railway engineering and management at universities, particularly focusing on training chief engineers.

He also encouraged the formation of large railway corporations, including private enterprises, and advised that any matters beyond jurisdiction be reported to higher authorities for resolution.

Key projects and investments

One of the most significant projects is the North-South high-speed railway, spanning 1,541 kilometers from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, with a designed speed of 350 km/h. The preliminary total investment is approximately 67.34 billion USD, and the project is expected to be carried out from 2025 to 2035.

Other critical railway projects include the Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong line, designed for both passenger and freight transport, with a standard gauge of 1,435 mm. The main route covers 390.9 km with an additional branch of 27.9 km, requiring an estimated investment of 8.37 billion USD.

Additional projects include the Hanoi-Lang Son line (156 km) and the Hai Phong-Ha Long-Mong Cai line (187 km), aimed at enhancing international rail connections with China, thereby promoting significant trade opportunities.

Urban rail development

To address urban congestion and improve quality of life, Hanoi plans to develop 15 urban railway lines, while Ho Chi Minh City will construct 10 urban rail lines.

Streamlining and accelerating project implementation

The Prime Minister stressed the importance of clear assignment and accountability in all aspects of the projects, emphasizing the need to resolve challenges, speed up progress, and clearly separate land clearance tasks into independent projects. Local authorities will be responsible for land clearance once the routes are determined.

Regarding funding, the Prime Minister called for diversifying investment sources, including state capital, loans, infrastructure bonds, public-private partnerships (PPP), and transit-oriented development (TOD) models, while maintaining strict financial management to prevent waste.

The Prime Minister also emphasized the people-centered and business-centered approach, with the goal of improving public services, reducing congestion, protecting the environment, and promoting sustainable development.

The Vinh