Bullet train expected to create breakthroughs for domestic railway sector
The 140-year-old railway, considered outdated in Vietnam, will undergo the most significant infrastructure transformation in decades, as the North-South high-speed railway project will be submitted to the Politburo in March, and the National Assembly within this year.
The North-South high-speed railway project will be submitted to the Politburo in March, and the National Assembly within this year. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) - The 140-year-old railway, considered outdated in Vietnam, will undergo the most significant infrastructure transformation in decades, as the North-South high-speed railway project will be submitted to the Politburo in March, and the National Assembly within this year.
At a working session with the Ministry of Transport earlier, permanent Government members stressed that the high-speed railway must be modern, concerted and sustainable.
The ministry had sketched out three scenarios, which, however, are expected to be reduced to two, offering freight services, apart from passenger transportation as the priority.
Under the first scenario, the train will move at a speed of 200-250 km/h and the investment capital is estimated at around 72.02 billion USD. Meanwhile, the speed of 350 km/h and some 71.6 billion USD in investment capital are set for the second, including spending on infrastructure and equipment for freight transportation.
The bullet train will depart from the Ngoc Hoi Station in Hanoi to Thu Thiem in Ho Chi Minh City, with its running time from 5 hours 26 minutes to 7 hours 54 minutes, depending on the number of stops.
The ministry explained that cargo services are to ease the burden for other means like marine and air transportation, saying the present North-South railway will also be modernised to carry both goods and passengers.
According to the ministry, permanent Government members will opine on the selection of one of the two before they are submitted to the Politburo.
Associate Professor, Dr. Tran Chung, Chairman of the Vietnam Association of Road Traffic Investors (VARSI), and member of the project’s consulting team, expressed his support for the second, which, he said, would help materialise the country’s goal of net zero emissions by 2050, and raise the rail sector’s competitiveness in terms of speed.
🌞 The railway project would require around 13,000 people to operate, said Dang Sy Manh, Chairman of the Board of Members of Vietnam Railways (VNR)./.
Private investors are expected to be gain interest in railway infrastructure development projects that have so far not had significant success in raising private capital.
The Ministry of Transport said it will strive to complete procedures for 19 transport projects to start construction in 2024. Among the projects, three are directly under the authority of the ministry, namely the Dau Giay-Tan Phu Expressway, Cho Moi-Bac Kan Expressway and Lo T-Rach Soi Expressway.
The building of the north-south hi-speed rail line must ensure modern, cohesive, and sustainable elements in line with the Politburo’s guideline as outlined in Conclusion No. 49-KL/TW, permanent Government members made the conclusion in a document issued by the Government Office on February 19.
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NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man stressed the need to accelerate the application of artificial intelligence and smart teaching equipment, innovate teaching and assessment methods, and further improve the quality of formal education.
He also pledged that the NA will promote its ongoing supervision, making sure that every promise must lead to results, and every commitment must bring about real changes.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien welcomed the proposals put forward by the US side and reiterated Vietnam’s request for consideration of key areas of interest, including reciprocal tariff policies and access for Vietnamese key export products to the US market.
Deputy PM Le Thanh Long proposed countries promote shared values, including building trust, sincerity, and solidarity among nations and peoples; fostering cooperation spirit and responsible behaviour as well as upholding international law and the UN Charter; and placing people at the centre and as the goal, the key player, and the driving force of all policies.
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The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel is closely coordinating with relevant local agencies to stay informed and provide the utmost support possible for Vietnamese nationals.
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Addressing concerns over university education spending, Son explained that as public universities gain greater autonomy, the Ministry of Finance has scaled back recurrent state funding. “Over the past decade, as autonomy has increased, the State's support has steadily declined”, he noted
Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane affirmed that the presence of Vietnamese press offices in Laos vividly demonstrates the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations, as the press is not only a means of communication but also an important bridge for spreading consciousness about the history, values, and strategic depth of the Laos – Vietnam relationship to the people of both countries and the international community.
The country is willing to participate in collective efforts to promote cooperation and mobilise resources to advance the current priority issues of developing countries, such as trade, investment, infrastructure connectivity, making the most of scientific and technological advances for development, and people-to-people exchanges, Hang said.
During the negotiations, the US highly evaluated Vietnam’s goodwill and efforts, affirmed its appreciation for the bilateral relationship, acknowledged Vietnam’s proposals and concerns, and considered these an important basis for continuing discussions and moving towards a final agreement.
The Chairman stressed the need for stricter fiscal discipline, faster digital transformation, and more efficient management of State budget revenues and expenditures.
The North-South high-speed railway project will be submitted to the Politburo in March, and the National Assembly within this year. (Photo: VNA)
