Chairing a meeting of the National Steering Committee for Key Railway Projects on the morning of 3/3, the Prime Minister assigned Ho Chi Minh City and Dong Nai province to promptly implement the project. Even under an emergency order, implementation must adhere to strict regulations and processes, preventing corruption, negativity, waste, and inefficiency.

According to a report from the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Construction to the Ministry of Construction, the city plans to break ground on two metro lines, spanning over 50 km, in the first half of this year. These lines will connect downtown Ho Chi Minh City with Long Thanh airport. The projects include the Ben Thanh - Thu Thiem line and the Thu Thiem - Long Thanh line. Truong Hai Group proposed investing in these two projects under a public-private partnership (PPP) and build-transfer (BT) contract.

For the Ben Thanh - Thu Thiem line, the city has tasked the enterprise with preparing a feasibility study. Construction is expected to commence in april and conclude after five years. The Thu Thiem - Long Thanh line has been reclassified from a light rail model to an urban railway. Ho Chi Minh City is considering assigning an investor to conduct research and development, aiming for groundbreaking before 30/6 and completion by 2030.

Long Thanh airport is scheduled to begin operations mid-this year. However, the project faces a significant challenge in establishing traffic connections with Ho Chi Minh City and neighboring localities.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh speaks at the meeting of the National Steering Committee for Key Railway Projects, morning of 3/3. *Photo: Nhat Bac*

At the same meeting, the Prime Minister also instructed the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Finance to finalize a railway industry development plan and a restructuring plan for Vietnam Railways Corporation. These plans are due for approval before 15/3.

The Ministry of Construction must complete the tender documents for the North-South high-speed railway project's feasibility study this month. A consultant will be selected in Q2/2026, ensuring a partner with proven capability, experience, and the ability to optimize efficiency and technology for national benefit.

Regarding the Lao Cai - Ha Noi - Hai Phong line, component one of the project must have its feasibility study completed this month. The Ministry of Construction and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are pushing China to initiate negotiations for a cross-border railway bridge construction agreement in march. The selection of contractors for surveying and technical design, along with contract signing, is expected to be completed in april. The Ministry of Finance will calculate the 5% expenditure savings and increased revenue from 2025 to allocate capital, while also considering loan options if they prove efficient.

For the Ben Thanh - Can Gio urban railway line, the Prime Minister requested Ho Chi Minh City to review mechanisms and accelerate implementation in line with Politburo Resolutions 57 and 68. Concurrently, the city must finalize the settlement for the Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien metro project.

Vu Tuan