Prime Minister Chính Calls for Swift Action on Vietnam’s Railway Projects

Hanoi, The Gulf Observer: Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính has called on ministries, agencies, and localities across Vietnam to act with “greater speed and boldness” in advancing the country’s critical railway projects. His remarks came during the second meeting of the Steering Committee for key national railway projects, held in Hanoi on April 26, 2024. The meeting was attended both in person and virtually, with connections to nine cities and provinces hosting major railway initiatives.

In his opening address, Prime Minister Chính emphasized the active consideration by the Party Central Committee and the Politburo of the Government’s proposals aimed at revitalizing and expanding Vietnam’s national railway network. These plans include the upgrading of existing rail lines, the restoration of previously disconnected routes, and the progress of flagship projects such as the North–South high-speed railway, cross-border rail connections with China, and urban rail networks in Hà Nội and Hồ Chí Minh City.

The Prime Minister noted the recent adoption by the National Assembly of three important resolutions, which approved investment in the North–South high-speed railway, the Lào Cai-Hà Nội-Hải Phòng railway project, and pilot special mechanisms for the development of urban rail networks in Hà Nội and Hồ Chí Minh City.

While acknowledging the scale and complexity of these ambitious projects—characterized by substantial financial demands, tight deadlines, and rigorous technical specifications—Prime Minister Chính called for resolute and decisive actions to ensure their success.

“We must work with urgency and purpose, defining clear roles, tasks, timelines, outcomes, responsibilities, and authority,” he said.

He also advocated for a decentralized approach to project management, emphasizing that sectors and localities must take responsibility for fulfilling their designated tasks. This, he stressed, would be crucial in accelerating progress while maintaining the high standards necessary for the development of Vietnam’s railway infrastructure.

The Government established the Steering Committee in March 2024 to facilitate effective coordination between ministries, agencies, and local authorities, enabling streamlined deployment of projects within their respective mandates.

With the backing of the national leadership and clear directives for accelerated action, Vietnam is poised to make significant strides in modernizing its railway system, a vital component for the country’s long-term development and integration into regional transport networks.