After several rounds of feedback from ministries, sectors, and experts, the Ministry of Transport is finalising the proposal for the construction of the North-South high-speed railway, as the funding plan for the project has shown positive signs, Deputy Minister of Transport Nguyen Danh Huy has said.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on July 11 requested relevant ministries and agencies to consult experts and scientists, and learn from international experiences to quickly complete the building of the North-South high-speed railway project.

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha has emphasised the importance of selecting advanced urban railway technology during the first meeting of a task force established to accelerate urban railway projects in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh ordered competent sides to accelerate construction of key transport projects in 2024 to create new development space while chairing the 9th session of the Steering Committee for Key National Transport Projects on February 16.

A joint venture between Vietnamese infrastructure developer Deo Ca Group JSC and Petroleum Trading Lao Public Company (PetroTrade) has been allowed to develop a railway project linking the two countries.

A total of 16,377ha of land will be used for railway projects in the period through 2030, an increase of 5,644ha compared to today.

The Government has disbursed more than VND910 billion (US$38.5 million) for the implementation of the Cat Linh–Ha Dong urban railway project.

Hanoi’s first metro service running from Cat Linh to Ha Dong will start commercial operation from May 1 as directed by the Prime Minister.

It is expected that the urban railway project of Cat Linh-Ha Dong will begin operating on a trial basis in December.