The government has approved the division of the North-South high-speed railway project into 17 independent components, granting additional authority to investment decision-makers. This move, outlined in Resolution 98 dated 6/4, aims to significantly accelerate the project's implementation.
The separation includes 15 land clearance projects, each managed by one of the 15 provinces and cities along the route. Additionally, one project is dedicated to relocating power infrastructure, to be executed by Tap doan Dien luc Viet Nam, with an anticipated completion by Q4/2028. The largest independent component is the high-speed railway line construction itself, under the investment decision of the Ministry of Construction, targeting basic completion by 2035.
A key aspect of the resolution is that investment decision-makers can now directly prepare, appraise, and approve investments for these projects without needing prior approval for investment policies. They are also empowered to develop resettlement areas based on preliminary designs from pre-feasibility study reports.
Regarding land clearance, compensation, support, resettlement, and technical infrastructure relocation will commence once the project owner transfers necessary documents and marks site boundaries for local authorities.
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KTX high-speed train in South Korea. Photo: Asia Trains |
The resolution also permits the use of direct appointment or limited bidding for contractor selection for goods, consulting services, construction, and various contract types such as EPC (design-procurement-construction), EC (design-construction), EP (design-procurement), and turnkey contracts.
The Ministry of Construction is tasked with collaborating with ministries, agencies, and localities to guide design consultants in selecting the straightest possible route. This approach ensures technical specifications are met and aligns with topographical, geological, and hydrological conditions, minimizing adjustments post-land clearance.
The Ministry of Construction announced that consulting units are finalizing bidding plans and tender documents for survey packages and feasibility study reports for the North-South high-speed railway project. Contractor selection for the feasibility study is expected in Q2.
The North-South high-speed railway project spans 1,541 km, connecting Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. It is designed as a double-track line with a 1,435 mm gauge, capable of speeds up to 350 km/h. The route will feature 23 passenger stations and 5 freight stations, primarily serving passenger transport but also accommodating freight as needed.
The preliminary total investment is estimated at approximately 1,713.54 trillion dong, equivalent to 67.34 billion USD. The project will be implemented through public investment, with deployment anticipated during the 2025-2035 period. Several localities have already commenced land acquisition and clearance, preparing for a groundbreaking ceremony in December 2026.
Doan Loan
