HCMC – The Government of Vietnam has said planning for the investment model of the North–South high-speed railway remains unclear and behind schedule, calling for faster work in line with the prime minister’s instructions.
In a recent notice issued by the Government Office, the Standing Committee of the Government reviewed the implementation of railway projects and the development of legal frameworks and technical standards for major railway projects nationwide.
It said ministries, agencies and local authorities have taken steps in recent years. These include revisions to the Railway Law and related Government decrees, approval of a railway workforce development plan, the launch of several urban rail lines, and initial implementation of the Lao Cai–Hanoi–Haiphong railway connection.
However, the Government said progress on key projects has been uneven. It highlighted the North–South high-speed rail project, where studies and assessments of investment options remain slow.
The Ministry of Construction and relevant agencies were instructed to address the issue by conducting more detailed assessments of impacts, risks and benefits, in line with directions from the prime minister.
The Standing Committee of the Government said the Railway Project Management Unit must complete the selection of an international consultant by January and accelerate preparation of the project’s feasibility study. A report must be submitted to the prime minister by January 15.
Authorities were also told to review and compare technical standards and operating technologies, ranging from conventional rail systems to advanced options such as magnetic levitation, to select solutions suitable for Vietnam.
The Ministry of Construction, together with the Ministry of Education and Training and Vietnam Railways Corporation, was tasked with developing a workforce training roadmap through 2035, with orientation to 2045, to support future railway operations.
For urban railway projects in Hanoi and HCMC, local authorities were urged to proceed within their authority, ensure progress and quality, and study the issuance of national technical standards to ensure compatibility with the national rail network.
The Government also called for further improvements to investment mechanisms and policies, including public investment and public-private partnerships, to improve transparency, balance interests, share risks and avoid delays in major rail projects.
