The National Assembly (NA) on August 24 officially passed a resolution to adjust the investment policy for the Lao Cai - Hanoi - Hai Phong railway project, with a total preliminary investment of nearly VND289.34 trillion (over $11 billion).
Simultaneously, the NA approved the relocation of three historical relics to facilitate the construction of key infrastructure connecting Gia Binh International Airport in northern Bac Ninh province, which will soon become a centraaly-run city under a resolution passed by the legislature on the same day.
According to the Resolution, which took effect immediately on August 24, the railway line begins at the border rail connection in northern mountainous Lao Cai Province, which borders China to the north, and terminates at Nam Hai Phong Station. The main line spans approximately 363 km, with an additional 63 km of branch lines, passing through six provinces and cities: Lao Cai, Phu Tho, Hanoi, Bac Ninh, Hung Yen, and Hai Phong.
The adjusted preliminary investment is set at nearly VND289.34 trillion (over $11 billion), with a target to essentially complete the project by 2030 at the latest.
Regarding the project's scale, the NA approved the construction of double tracks for the sections from Bac Hong Station to Nam Hai Phong Station and from Yen Vien Station to Gia Lam Station. The remaining sections will be built as single tracks.
The line will serve both passenger and cargo transport. The design speed for the line is set at 160 km/h. However, the speed for sections passing through Hanoi is limitted at 120km/h, and for branch lines at 80 km/h.
Also on August 24, the National Assembly voted to approve a resolution regarding the relocation of three historical relics located within the construction sites of two major projects: the road connecting Gia Binh International Airport to Hanoi, and the People’s Public Security Air Force Regiment barracks.
The Resolution will officially take effect on September 20, 2026.
Prior to the vote, Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, Ms. Lam Thi Phuong Thanh, authorized by the Prime Minister, presented a Government report explaining the revisions to the draft resolution.
Addressing concerns about balancing strategic infrastructure development with the preservation of core heritage values, the Government directed a thorough review to ensure that relocation only occurs when absolutely necessary and when no other on-site preservation measures are feasible.
The Government emphasized that relocation must maximize the preservation and promotion of the relics' values, ensure transparency, and involve public consultation.
Regarding the scope of the adjustments, the resolution specifically applies to two named relics: the Dong Coi Communal House (Thuan Thanh Ward) and the Tam Son Communal House (Luong Tai Commune).
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