Phu Tho Attends Teleconference on Lao Cai - Hanoi - Hai Phong Railway Project Implementation

On the morning of March 18, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Head of the Steering Committee for National Key Transport Projects and Works in the Railway Sector, chaired a teleconference with eight provinces and cities, including Lao Cai, Phu Tho, Bac Ninh, Hung Yen, Hai Phong, Ho Chi Minh City, Quang Ninh, and Lang Son. The meeting focused on the progress of the Lao Cai - Hanoi - Hai Phong Railway Project and urban railway networks in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Vice Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee Phan Trong Tan and delegates attend the teleconference at the Phu Tho provincial broadcasting point.

Presiding at the Phu Tho terminal was Mr. Phan Trong Tan – Member of the Provincial Party Standing Committee and Vice Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee.

To date, the Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong Railway Project has reached several critical milestones. Consultancy selection has been finalized for the component project focusing on station connectivity infrastructure and squares. For Component Project 2 (Railway Construction), 14 out of 16 consultancy packages for the investment preparation stage have been completed. Additionally, survey and design tasks are finalized, and cost estimates for technical design packages are currently being established.

The project is moving toward a decisive timeline in 2026. An initial report is expected to be finalized by late March, followed by internal appraisals by both Vietnamese and Chinese authorities in April. After Chinese consultants finalize the dossiers in May, a joint appraisal between the two nations is scheduled for June. Once complete, the dossiers will be handed over to Vietnam for official project approval. Simultaneously, local authorities and Vietnam Electricity (EVN) are actively coordinating the site clearance and relocation of high-voltage power lines (110kV and above) along the route.

Beyond the main corridor, strategic planning for the Hanoi – Lang Son and Hai Phong – Mong Cai lines is also underway. Since September 2025, the China Railway Eryuan Engineering Group (CREEC) — a leading Chinese state-owned consultancy — has been conducting research and working with local authorities to unify planning schemes. This effort aims for an initial report in April 2026, with the full planning phase expected to conclude by the end of the year.

In the urban centers of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, the railway network is expanding rapidly. Hanoi is currently processing investment procedures for six lines while actively constructing three others. Ho Chi Minh City is prioritizing investment preparations for six urban railway lines for the 2026–2030 period. Notably, adjusted approval for Metro Line 2 (Ben Thanh – Tham Luong) was finalized for its commencement on January 15, 2026, following the groundbreaking of the Ben Thanh – Can Gio line on December 19, 2025. All remaining urban lines aim to begin construction within 2026. Concurrently, preparations for the North-South High-Speed Railway, including feasibility studies, technological partner selection, and site clearance, are being aggressively pursued.

Concluding the conference, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh urged the Steering Committee, ministries, and localities to adhere strictly to the planned schedule. Key directives include the Ministry of Industry and Trade submitting the Railway Industry Development Scheme and the Ministry of Finance finalizing the Vietnam Railways (VNR) restructuring plan by the end of March. The Prime Minister emphasized that the Ministry of Construction, along with the People’s Committees of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, must focus on ensuring all projects meet the required progress and quality standards.

Le Hoang