Chairing a meeting on May 20 with ministries, sectors and agencies to review the implementation of the North – South high-speed railway, the Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong line, and several lines connecting with China, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh requested to start construction of the Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong railway on December 19 this year. 

The PM was quoted by the Vietnam News Agency as calling on relevant ministries and agencies to complete pre-feasibility and feasibility reports, recommend new mechanisms and policies, settle route alignments to expedite land clearance, and develop standards and regulations, adding that a diverse financing plan involving public investment, bank loans, bonds, public-private partnerships, as well as domestic and foreign capital is also essential.

According to the Ministry of Construction, the Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong railway project, spanning nearly 419 km with an estimated investment of over $8.3 billion, has completed preliminary work, including land clearance designs, route alignment, and coordination with the nine provinces along the route.