In implementing Directive No. 22/CT-TTg of the Prime Minister on strengthening measures to ensure order and safety in railway traffic in the new situation, Lao Cai province is simultaneously implementing many solutions to reduce accidents and restore safety discipline on the railway line passing through the province.
According to the People's Committee of Lao Cai province, the province currently has approximately 175km of railway lines, of which 76km are dedicated lines operated by the Lao Cai Apatite Company.
Despite having only 38 legal level crossings, there are still 377 unauthorized crossings along the entire route, putting significant pressure on traffic safety and posing a particularly serious risk of accidents.
Addressing unauthorized access points stems not only from practical needs but is also a mandatory requirement under government regulations.
Specifically, according to Decision No. 358/QD-TTg of 2020 by the Prime Minister on the implementation of Government Decree No. 65/2018/ND-CP on the management and protection of railway infrastructure, the goal is to completely eliminate all unauthorized crossings over railways nationwide by the end of 2025.
This is considered a legally binding deadline, requiring localities to proactively develop implementation plans that suit their specific conditions.
Based on that, the People's Committee of Lao Cai province issued Plan No. 127/KH-UBND dated October 15, 2025, to implement Directive 22/CT-TTg, clearly defining the responsibilities of each department, sector, and locality in ensuring railway traffic safety.
Along with stepping up patrols, inspections, and handling violations, the province is focusing on reviewing the current infrastructure to develop an investment roadmap to eliminate unauthorized access routes in a fundamental and sustainable manner.
According to the review by the Provincial Department of Construction and the proposal from Yen Lao Railway Joint Stock Company, the province currently has 38 unauthorized level crossings that can be removed immediately without the need for access roads or fences; 197 locations require road surface repair and improvement to ensure smooth and safe traffic flow; and 71 unauthorized level crossings that can be removed but require the construction of replacement access roads.
Notably, there are still 89 locations where railway and road safety corridors overlap, with the road surface level being equal to or higher than the railway track top but without the installation of barriers or guardrails; along with 27 locations of particularly dangerous, high-traffic, and potentially hazardous unauthorized crossings.
To achieve the goal of eliminating unauthorized level crossings in accordance with regulations, Lao Cai plans to invest in the construction of 33 pedestrian underpasses on the Yen Vien - Lao Cai railway line, from kilometer marker 146+415 (Van Phu ward) to kilometer marker 282+835 (Bao Thang commune).
In addition, eight legal level crossings have been planned for construction, from Km 169+050 (Tran Yen commune) to Km 292+920 (Lao Cai ward), to ensure the legitimate travel needs of the people after the unauthorized crossings are removed.
The funding for these investment projects will be allocated from the central government budget. According to the plan, the period from 2025 to 2026 will focus on investment preparation and completion of documentation; construction is expected to be implemented in the period from 2027 to 2030.
The synchronized investment in the construction of level crossings and pedestrian underpasses not only aims to meet the legal requirements of Decree 65/2018/ND-CP and Decision 358/QD-TTg, but also serves as a fundamental, long-term solution to ensure railway traffic safety, minimize damage to people and property caused by railway accidents, and contribute to sustainable socio-economic development in Lao Cai province.
Source: https://baolaocai.vn/lao-cai-quyet-liet-xoa-loi-di-tu-mo-bao-dam-an-toan-giao-thong-duong-sat-post888594.html
Comment (0)