Vietnam eyes to begin high-speed rail construction in 2026
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Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has ordered the Ministry of Construction to expedite procedures to commence construction of the North-South high-speed railway project by the end of next year.
According to a government release on Saturday, the PM wants the bidding mechanism completed this month so the National Assembly can review it for approval next month.
This would push the construction date one year earlier than the original plan.
The railway, one of Vietnam’s most ambitious transportation projects in this decade, was approved for investment by the National Assembly in November last year with a preliminary cost of approximately VND1.7 quadrillion (US$67 billion).
The 1,541-km route will start at in Hanoi and end in Ho Chi Minh City, passing through 20 localities.
It will be designed for speeds of up to 350 kilometers per hour. It includes 23 passenger stations and 5 freight stations.
The government also eyes to start building the Lao Cai – Hanoi – Lang Son railway in December. It will be a key project linking the capital with China-bordering provinces.
Concerning another northern rail project, Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong, officials are set to negotiate with their Chinese counterparts next month and a loan agreement is expected to be signed in November.
The government has also tasked Hanoi and HCMC with reviewing their plans to build and acquire loans for more metro routes.
Questions & Answers
Q.What is the new target date for the North-South high-speed railway construction to begin?
What is the new target date for the North-South high-speed railway construction to begin?
The Prime Minister has ordered the Ministry of Construction to expedite procedures so that construction can commence by the end of next year. This is one year earlier than originally planned.
Q.What is the estimated cost and length of the North-South high-speed railway?
What is the estimated cost and length of the North-South high-speed railway?
The preliminary cost is approximately VND1.7 quadrillion, equivalent to US$67 billion. The route will be 1,541-km long, connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
Q.Which other railway projects are mentioned in the article as also beginning or progressing soon?
Which other railway projects are mentioned in the article as also beginning or progressing soon?
The government also plans to start building the Lao Cai, Hanoi, Lang Son railway in December. Negotiations for a loan agreement for the Lao Cai, Hanoi, Hai Phong project are expected next month.
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