The investment of $15.97 million per kilometer for the Lao Cai - Hai Phong railway is "relatively reasonable," according to the Minister of Transport, considering regional standards and domestic unit prices.

On February 15, the National Assembly discussed the investment proposal for the Lao Cai - Hanoi - Hai Phong railway project and a draft resolution on special mechanisms to develop urban railway networks in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Delegate Hoang Van Cuong from Hanoi suggested that the construction of the Lao Cai - Hanoi - Hai Phong railway and urban railways should prioritize assigning work to local enterprises for building roads, bridges, tunnels, and manufacturing rail tracks and train cars.

He noted that Vietnamese companies are now capable of producing rail tracks and assembling train cars. Prioritizing local orders would stimulate domestic growth.

Delegate Cuong proposed including a clause in the resolution to prioritize domestic companies. He emphasized the need for the government's commitment to providing a market share for local enterprises, encouraging them to invest confidently in the industry and facilitating technology transfer.

Delegate Sung A Leng from Lao Cai highlighted that the investment decision for the Lao Cai - Hanoi - Hai Phong railway is wise, aligned with public expectations, and genuinely necessary.

"This is a vital transport route that connects Vietnam's economic regions and international trade, opening up significant opportunities for the development of commerce, tourism, and services. It will also reduce logistics costs and support Vietnam's socio-economic development," Leng stated.

He urged the National Assembly to pass the resolution for the railway project during this session, establishing a foundation for the government and relevant agencies to expedite project implementation and ensure that construction begins before December 10, 2025, as proposed by the government.

Responding to the delegates' feedback, Minister of Transport Tran Hong Minh noted that the Lao Cai - Hanoi - Hai Phong railway was designed following the principles of the shortest and straightest route.

The total investment for the project is estimated at $8.3 billion. "Excluding land clearance and other costs, the investment is approximately $15.97 million per kilometer," Minister Minh said, adding that this cost is "relatively reasonable" compared to regional standards and domestic prices.

Minister Minh further explained that urban railway projects in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City take 3-5 years just to complete the investment policy phase. Given the timeline, he highlighted the urgency of implementing specific mechanisms and policies to accelerate the process, as mandated by the Politburo’s resolution, which requires completion of urban railway systems in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City by 2035.

"This is a challenge. Without special mechanisms and policies to shorten timelines, it will be impossible to complete the projects. Investing in urban railways in both cities is crucial, and the basic planning has been done to determine preliminary scale, routes, and project funding sources," Minister Minh added.

Quang Phong