PM Pham Minh Chinh speaks at the meeting (Photo: VNA)

Under the National Assembly's resolution, the 419km railway line carries a total investment of more than 203 trillion VND (8.37 billion USD), with construction scheduled to start in 2025 and wrap up by 2030. The PM mandated that certain project components kick off by December 19, 2025.

He directed relevant agencies to continue following high-level agreements and the outcomes of the joint committee’s first session with high determination and decisive action, ensuring clear assignment of roles, tasks, timelines, responsibilities, authority, and measurable outcomes.

The Ministry of Construction was asked to continue coordinating with China, build on prior progress, and establish detailed roadmaps, schedules, and work plans, with monthly progress reports required.

Beyond the Lao Cai – Ha Noi – Hai Phong line, the PM stressed accelerating the Dong Dang – Ha Noi and Mong Cai – Ha Long – Hai Phong rail projects to bolster bilateral connectivity.

The leader directed ministries and agencies to collaborate with Chinese counterparts to finalise an agreement on linking standard-gauge railway tracks, ordering technical plans and documentation to be completed within September.

Additional tasks were assigned to relevant ministries and agencies to expedite the projects.