The Ministry of Transport will continue researching the possibilities of a bullet train from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi.
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| Minister of Transport, Ho Nghia Dung |
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| Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung approved employing technical support from Japan’s ODA aid for the high-speed rail project. |
“The government has approved the construction techniques submitted by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and asked the Ministry of Transport to make further research and detailed plans for the Hanoi-Ho Chi Minh City high-speed rail project to submit to the National Assembly,” confirmed minister of transport Ho Nghia Dung.
Dung explained at the government’s press conference on August 31 that the National Assembly had voted down the project in June so the government hasn’t made any conclusions regarding investment.
The National Assembly rejected the 56-billion-dollar project and suggested that shorter high-speed rails connecting some regions and provinces would be more suitable for the economic potential of Vietnam.
Following this suggestion, the government has approved employing technical support from Japan’s official development assistance (ODA) on the shorter rails connecting Hanoi-Vinh, Ho Chi Minh City- Nha Trang, and Hanoi- Noi Bai Airport. The Hanoi- Noi Bai Airport project will get more priority in order to enhance the capacity of this international airport.
“Seeing the potential of a high-speed rail, the government asked the Ministry of Transport to study and provide detailed plans for this project to answer the National Assembly’s inquiry,” Dung said.
Japan, which is the biggest provider of ODA to Vietnam, especially in regards to infrastructure projects, including some important transportation projects like Bai Chay Bridge, Can Tho Bridge, Hai Van Pass Tunnel, is now also cooperating in the rail project.
“The government needs more discussion on this project. This project will totally use non-refundable Japan’s ODA, with no binding terms regarding investment. The selection of technology and investor for this project has not been made,” shared Dung.
He added that, although the site clearance for the Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh City high-speed rail project now seems unfeasible, a new rail to meet the increasing transportation demand still forces the government to study and make alternate plans available to carry out the project.
Addressing when this plan will be submitted to the National Assembly, Minister Ho Nghia Dung revealed, “It may take us 3-4 years to make a detailed plan because it must contain information on landmarks, long-term programming within 40-50 years, technology, economic efficiency or effect on the environment and many other details. After that, it will all depend on the National Assembly’s decision.”
