Hanoi (VNA) – The National Assembly (NA) Standing Committee reviewed the investment proposal for the Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong railway project during its 42nd session on the aftern🌳oon of February 10.

According to the Government’s proposal, the project aims to construct a modern, integrated rail line to meet both domestic and international transportation demands, particularly between Vietnam and China. The railway is expected to be a key driver for sustainable socio-economic development along the Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong economic corridor. The Government has proposed that the NA approve the investment plan for the main line, which will span approximately 390.9 kilometers, alongside three branch lines totaling 27.9 kilometers. The project will pass through nine provinces and cities in the northern region, namely Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Phu Tho, Vinh Phuc, Hanoi, Bac Ninh, Hung Yen, Hai Duong, and Hai Phong. The project is projected to require around 2,632 hectares of land and will be funded through public investment, with a total estimated cost of 203.23 trillion VND (approximately 8.37 billion USD). Funding sources will include the state budget (central and local), domestic capital, foreign loans (from the Chinese Government), and other legal sources. The feasibility study is scheduled to begin in 2025, with completion targeted for 2030. Presenting the appraisal report, Vu Hong Thanh, Chairman of the NA’s Economic Committee, affirmed the necessity of the project. However, he urged the Government to clarify how the project aligns with the national land use plan for 2021-2030, with a vision toward 2050, and how land allocation fits with local planning schemes. Regarding funding, the Economic Committee agreed with the Government's proposal for 15 special mechanisms and policies, which have been previously approved by the NA and reviewed by relevant authorities. While these mechanisms provide a solid foundation, it is necessary to ensure macroeconomic balance and national debt safety during implementation. After discussions, the NA Standing Committee agreed to submit the investment proposal for consideration at the 15th NA’s ninth extraordinary session, scheduled to open on February 12. In his remarks, NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man emphasised that the Party Central Committee and the Politburo have issued resolutions and conclusions prioritizing resources for the project approval and groundbreaking this year. The project is expected to enhance the railway network, connecting major urban areas and industrial zones in the northern midland, mountainous, and Red River Delta regions. The NA Chairman also stressed the need for an optimal route alignment to ensure connectivity with the national railway network, urban rail systems, and other modes of transport, while minimising the impact on residential areas and forest land. He called for thorough assessments of land recovery, compensation, and resettlement. Regarding station infrastructure, the NA Chairman recommended optimising the design to accommodate train operating speeds while ensuring the concentration of cargo and passengers to minimise investment costs./.