HCMC – The National Assembly (NA) Standing Committee is reviewing a Government proposal to develop the Lao Cai-Hanoi-Haiphong railway, a major infrastructure project that may be partially financed through loans from China, reported the local media.
Transport Minister Tran Hong Minh presented the investment plan, which aims to boost trade with China, improve domestic transport, and enhance national security. The 390.9-kilometer railway would connect Lao Cai, a key border province, to Haiphong, Vietnam’s largest seaport. The project also includes three branch lines with a total length of 27.9 kilometers.
The Government estimates the total cost of the project at VND203.2 trillion, with the feasibility study set to be completed within this year and construction expected to begin by 2030.
Vietnam plans to fund the project through a mix of state budget allocations, domestic capital, and foreign loans, including from the Chinese government. Lawmakers have urged the Government to provide a clearer financing plan and ensure the project aligns with national land-use strategies.
The railway will feature 18 stations, along with 13 technical service points. Some legislators have proposed expanding key stations and adjusting locations to better fit local development plans.
Projected funding includes VND128 trillion from 2021-2025, VND177.3 trillion from 2026-2030, and VND25.8 trillion from 2031-2035. The Government has suggested special mechanisms, such as allowing the prime minister to issue bonds and secure concessional loans without certain funding assessments.
The NA’s Economic Committee has raised concerns over a proposed policy that would exempt officials involved in the project from certain liabilities, warning that this could set a problematic precedent despite existing legal protections for officials acting in good faith.
The NA is expected to debate the proposal in an upcoming extraordinary session. If approved, the railway would be a key addition to Vietnam’s transport network.
