The Vietnam Railways Corporation (VNR) has recently submitted a report to the Ministry of Finance regarding the implementation of Prime Minister's Directive No. 22/CT-TTg, issued on August 18, concerning enhanced measures to ensure railway traffic order and safety in the new situation. This report includes a capital proposal of over VND8.5 trillion ($322 million) for projects to resolve illegal acts of trespassing on railroad tracks..

Eliminating unofficial access points is a fundamental solution to ensure railway traffic safety. However, without alternative infrastructure such as service roads, overpasses, and protective fences, it will be difficult to persuade residents to voluntarily close long-established informal paths, especially if they are the sole access routes that run through railroad tracks.

According to VNR, the period from now until 2030 requires substantial capital to meet railway safety requirements. The Ministry of Construction has assigned VNR to prepare investment for a project to construct railway crossings and underpasses to eliminate unofficial access points in Phase 1, with an estimated total cost of VND1.638 trillion ($62 million).

Concurrently, an urgent project to repair and renovate weak bridges/tunnels and outdated stations is slated for implementation in the 2026-2027 period, requiring nearly VND4.9 trillion (over $185.8 million). Other critical items, such as reinforcing slopes and addressing landslide and rockfall risks at key routes, are planned for the 2025-2026 period and will require approximatelyVND2 trillion ($75.8 million).

Based on these needs, VNR has recommended that the Government and relevant ministries and agencies consider, arrange, balance, and supplement capital from the central budget for the projects VNR is currently implementing and plans to undertake. This aims to decisively address informal paths and unauthorized crossings over railway lines, ensuring railway traffic safety.