The goal of the project is not only to build a high-speed railway, but also to develop the high-speed railway industry, capable of construction, management, operation, exploitation, etc.
Minister of Construction Nguyen Thanh Nghi proposed that it is necessary to choose a consulting unit and organization with the world’s leading experience, capacity and expertise – Photo: VGP
On December 26, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha chaired the third session of the Steering Committee for the construction and implementation of the project on investment in high-speed railways on the North-South axis and railway projects of national importance.
Railway development and railway industry
According to the Deputy Prime Minister, the goal of the project is not only to build a high-speed railway, but also to develop the high-speed railway industry, capable of construction, management, operation, exploitation, etc.
Therefore, the project implementation plan must be clear about the work, the people, the steps are scientific, methodical, synchronous, comprehensive, not “doing and waiting”. Starting from building mechanisms, policies, regulations, standards, to investigation, survey, design, technology selection, operation, exploitation, management…
Deputy Minister of Transport Nguyen Danh Huy said that after the National Assembly approved it, the ministry has developed a master plan. Includes consulting options; preparation, appraisal and approval of feasibility study reports; bidding for construction bidding packages and expected to start construction in December 2027.
Leaders of relevant ministries and branches also discussed issues such as the development of the railway manufacturing mechanical industry, human resource training; mobilizing capital sources, promulgating land use plans and targets, orienting the development of urban land funds in the direction of traffic routes (TOD), transferring towards mastering technology, etc.
In particular, Minister of Education and Training Nguyen Kim Son proposed coordination to calculate and determine the demand for human resources in the direction of technology selection, “the more detailed, the better”. According to Minister of Construction Nguyen Thanh Nghi, the selection of design, supervision and appraisal consultants is very important, as an organization with the world’s leading experience, capacity and expertise.
Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha – Photo: VGP
Developing policies to avoid “ploughing in the middle of the road”
In conclusion, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha noted that the issuance of the Government’s resolution on the plan to organize the implementation of the National Assembly’s resolution related to the project must be scientific, comprehensive, synchronous, showing feasibility and flexibility to have a railway line and even be expanded.
Vietnam must master the process of railway development, gradually grasp and master the railway industry, sub-sectors related to information, control, operation and management and accompanying economic ecosystems.
“Who does it, when does it and pays attention to each specific stage” – Mr. Ha expressed his views and asked to have a clear vision of the legal framework and policy mechanisms, avoiding “ploughing in the middle of the road”. In particular, it is necessary to amend the Railway Law, include in the system of regulations and standards on high-speed railways such as technology, equipment for operation, administration, information management, construction safety, have specific mechanisms and policies, etc.
Choose the “right and right” international organizations and consulting units with the world’s leading prestige, experience and capacity. Determine land use targets, carry out site clearance, adjust zoning planning, detailed planning to create a land fund for urban and rural development in the direction of traffic routes (TOD), determine capital and mobilization plans…
Regarding domestic railway construction, he assigned relevant ministries and branches to develop criteria for selecting foreign investors. Vietnamese enterprises participate in providing products and services to serve the project, “clearly determine which stages Vietnamese enterprises will master, what equipment to import”, develop dual-use and multi-purpose production.
The Deputy Prime Minister asked the Vietnam Railways Corporation to have a plan to restructure and consolidate the organizational apparatus to participate in the process of implementing the project construction, as well as receiving management, exploitation and operation after the project is completed.
For ensuring the security of information and data on operation, exploitation, and incident handling… need to learn, receive and fully master.
“The plan must be clear about the product, the progress, the implementer, the responsibilities of the state management agency, the investor, the contractor, throughout the project from North to South, dividing each type of work (works, non-works)”, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized.