Hanoi (VNA) – Deputies to the 15th National Assembly (NA) are scheduled to discuss in groups a number of important draft laws and resolutions on February 13 as part of their 9th extraordinary session.
In the morning, lawmakers will debate the draft Law on the Government Organisation (revised), the draft Law on the Organisation of Local Government, and a draft resolution addressing a number of issues related to State apparatus restructuring.
In the afternoon, they will discuss the proposal and the verification report on the investment policy for the Lao Cai - Hanoi - Hai Phong railway project, as well as the those for a draft resolution for piloting special mechanisms and policies to develop urban rail networks in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The session ended with a debate on the draft Law on Promulgation of Legal Documents (revised).
The Government’s proposal on the investment policy for the Lao Cai - Hanoi - Hai Phong railway project aims to build a new, modern, and integrated railway line to serve both domestic transportation needs and international rail links between Vietnam and China. The project is expected to play a key role in driving fast, sustainable socio-economic development, enhancing the economic potential of the Lao Cai - Hanoi - Hai Phong corridor, and ensuring effective integration with both national and international rail networks. The project will also address national security, environmental concerns, and climate change, while supporting Vietnam's broader industrialisation and modernisation efforts.
The Government suggested the NA approve the investment policy with the rail line stretching from the border between Lao Cai’s new station and the North Hekou station in China, to the Lach Huyen port area. The main line will be approximately 390.9 km long, with an additional 27.9 km covered by three branch lines. The project will span nine provinces and cities of Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Phu Tho, Vinh Phuc, Hanoi, Bac Ninh, Hung Yen, Hai Duong, and Hai Phong.
The project involves constructing a new electrified single-track railway line with a 1,435 mm gauge, designed for both passenger and freight transport. The main line will have a design speed of 160 km per hour, with the section through Hanoi designed for 120 km per hour. The connecting and branch lines will be designed for 80 km per hour.
The estimated land requirement for the project is around 2,632 hectares. It will be funded through public investment, with a preliminary total cost of around 203.23 trillion VND (7.49 billion USD)./.
