Government outlines investment plan for railway expansion

On February 13, Minister of Transport Tran Hong Minh, under the authorization of the Prime Minister, presented an investment proposal for the Lao Cai–Hanoi–Hai Phong railway project to the National Assembly.

The railway will start at the connection point between the new Lao Cai station and China’s Ha Khau Bac station, extending to Lach Huyen port, covering nine provinces and cities.

The main railway line will span approximately 390.9 kilometers, with an additional 27.9 kilometers of branch lines. The project will feature a newly constructed electrified railway with a 1,435mm gauge, serving both passenger and freight transport.

The plan includes 18 stations - three main hubs and 15 mixed-use stations - along with 13 technical operation centers. Future expansions could see upgrades to certain operation centers, converting them into full stations as demand increases.

The railway will require approximately 2,632 hectares of land, with around 19,136 people expected to be relocated.

The project is set to be financed through public investment, with an estimated total cost of 203.231 trillion VND (approximately $8.37 billion USD). Funding will come from the national and local government budgets, domestic sources, foreign investments, and loans from the Chinese government.

The feasibility study is scheduled to begin in 2025, with the goal of completing the railway by 2030.

Legal immunity proposal for project officials

To ensure smooth implementation and mitigate bureaucratic risks, the government has proposed 19 special policy measures for the project. Among them, 15 are adapted from policies previously approved for the North-South high-speed railway, while four are entirely new.

One of the newly proposed measures seeks to exempt or reduce liability for government officials and project managers involved in the railway’s development.

Minister Tran Hong Minh argued that this policy would provide protection for leaders and civil servants who take responsibility for managing the massive investment, allowing them to act decisively without fear of legal repercussions.

Divided opinions on legal protections for officials

Following the government’s proposal, Vu Hong Thanh, Chairman of the National Assembly’s Economic Committee, presented a review of the plan.

Some lawmakers supported the policy, arguing that the urgent timeline for the project could lead to administrative difficulties and potential misjudgments. They believe that legal protections would encourage officials to take responsibility without hesitation, ultimately ensuring the project’s success.

However, others pointed out that existing laws already allow for exemptions or reductions in liability for officials acting in good faith. They warned that creating a special policy for this railway project could set an unequal precedent for other major infrastructure projects.

Chairman Vu Hong Thanh noted that this type of legal exemption is unprecedented in Vietnam and suggested that the government seek approval from higher authorities before submitting the proposal for legislative review.

Tran Thuong