North high-speed railway project

The Ministry of Transport has proposed investing in a high-speed railway project on the North-South axis, approximately 1,541 km long, double-track, 1,435 mm gauge, electrified; with a total investment of approximately 67.34 billion USD and expected completion by 2035.

The Ministry of Transport has announced a proposal to invest in a high-speed railway project on the North-South axis, approximately 1,541 km long, double track, 1,435 mm gauge, electrified; with a total investment of approximately 67.34 billion USD (illustrative image).

On October 1st, the Ministry of Transport officially released information on the main contents of the investment plan for the high-speed railway on the North-South axis.

The Ministry of Transport announced that, in implementing Conclusion No. 49 dated February 28, 2023, of the Politburo on the orientation for the development of Vietnam's railway transport system until 2030, with a vision to 2045, the Ministry is submitting to competent authorities the investment plan for a high-speed railway line on the North-South axis (referred to as the Project).

Regarding the project planning process, over the past 18 years, the Ministry of Transport has conducted numerous studies with the support of international organizations and consultants. The 2010 pre-feasibility study report for the project received the Politburo's approval for investment, but it has not yet been officially approved by the competent authorities.

Based on Conclusion No. 49, the Ministry of Transport has conducted thorough and comprehensive research and evaluation, synthesizing experiences in developing high-speed rail systems worldwide. An inter-ministerial working group was organized to survey six countries with developed high-speed rail systems.

Based on feedback from ministries, agencies, the State Appraisal Council, the Central Economic Committee, the National Assembly Committees, the results of the working group from the Ministry of Planning and Investment, opinions from professional social organizations, experts, scientists, the Standing Committee of the Government, and the Government, the project dossier has been finalized.

Since October 2023 alone, the Ministry of Transport has consulted with 24 ministries and agencies participating in the Steering Committee, central Party committees, National Assembly committees, etc., and has received basic consensus and agreement with the proposed plan of the Ministry of Transport.

To date, the Government has met and agreed on an investment plan to build a high-speed railway line on the North-South axis with a design speed of 350 km/hour, ensuring it is modern, synchronized, and in line with global development trends, in accordance with Conclusion No. 49.

The entire route will be funded through public investment, with a design speed of 350 km/hour.

According to the Ministry of Transport, on September 18, 2024, the Politburo issued a conclusion on the investment policy for the project, which identified the high-speed railway as a symbolic project of strategic significance, especially important for the economy, politics, society, national defense, security, and international integration. The Politburo agreed on the investment policy for the North-South high-speed railway with a full-line investment plan using public investment, a design speed of 350 km/hour, passenger transport, meeting dual-use requirements for national defense and security, and capable of transporting goods when necessary. It also agreed on special mechanisms and policies to mobilize legal resources for implementation and minimize the project timeline.

The 13th Central Committee issued Resolution No. 55 on September 20, 2024, which determined: to unify the investment policy for the entire high-speed railway project (350 km/hour) on the North-South axis.

Thus, in accordance with the Party's guidelines, the Politburo's Conclusion No. 49, and the Government's directives, the project has been seriously, meticulously, comprehensively, cautiously, and thoroughly researched over a long period of time with the participation of many experts, scientists, and relevant agencies.

Regarding the proposed plan, the Ministry of Transport stated that the proposal suggests investing in a high-speed railway project on the North-South axis, approximately 1,541 km long, double track, 1,435 mm gauge, electrified; with a total investment of approximately 67.34 billion USD. The investment cost of approximately 43.7 million USD/km is considered average compared to some countries when converted to 2024 levels.

Regarding the projected timeline, the Ministry of Transport believes that, based on the ability to mobilize resources and the accompanying specific solutions and policies, it is recommended to invest in the entire route with the following projected timeline:

Submit the investment plan to the National Assembly for approval at the 8th session (October 2024). Conduct bidding to select international consultants, carry out surveys, and prepare the Feasibility Study Report in 2025-2026.

The plan includes land clearance, contractor selection through bidding, and commencement of construction by the end of 2027. The goal is to complete the entire route by 2035, 10 years earlier than stipulated in Conclusion No. 49.

The Ministry of Transport proposes applying a public investment model, using central government budget allocations over medium-term periods, contributions from localities, and mobilized capital with low costs and minimal constraints. During construction and operation, businesses will be encouraged to invest in service and commercial areas at the stations; and to invest in additional vehicles for operation when needed.

According to The Laborer

Source: https://tienphong.vn/du-an-duong-sat-toc-do-cao-bac-nam-du-kien-dau-tu-6734-ti-usd-hoan-thanh-nam-2035-post1678134.tpo