Hanoi voters have high hopes for North-South express railway project
The project would facilitate provincial commuters to Hanoi for work, reducing housing demand and alleviating urban pressure and congestion.
Voters hope the North-South high-speed railway will enhance local connections throughout the country and allow provincial residents to work in Hanoi without having to buy homes, easing pressure on the city.
| Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Nguyen Ngoc Tuan. Photos: The Hanoi Times |
The view was shared during a meeting on December 2 between local voters from districts of Thanh Xuan, Cau Giay and Nam Tu Liem, and Chairman of the municipal People’s Council Nguyen Ngoc Tuan following the National Assembly (NA)'s approval of the investment plan of the North-South high-speed rail costing US$67 billion.
Voters praised the deputies' sense of responsibility, thorough analysis, and discussion of key and significant issues, especially newly proposed policies.
At the NA's ongoing session, some laws have been passed, such as amendments to the Law on Health Insurance, the Employment Law, the Law on Anti-Trafficking, the Law on Firefighting and Rescue, the Special Consumption Tax Law, the Value-Added Tax Law, and the Corporate Income Tax Law, are the ones that have a broad and direct impact on citizens.
Voters suggested that the National Assembly conduct reviews to evaluate the effectiveness of laws in practice, identify strengths and limitations, and address any obstacles to ensure feasibility. They also called for increased oversight of anti-waste measures, noting lingering issues such as long-delayed projects, unused or improperly utilized public buildings, unfinished urban planning projects, and delays in handling mismanaged land.
Voters in Thanh Xuan expressed hope that newly enacted laws, especially the Capital Law, set to take effect on January 1, 2025, would soon be implemented to foster a breakthrough in Hanoi's development in a new era.
Voters commended the Hanoi People's Council for promptly passing resolutions to specify the provisions of the Capital Law, considering it crucial for the council to fulfill its role as a local governing body. They also recommended that the government and the prime minister issue synchronized decrees and regulations to effectively implement the Capital Law.
Tuan acknowledged voters' feedback and emphasized the significance of their oversight and participation in legislative activities. He committed to conveying voter opinions to the National Assembly, government, and relevant ministries to address issues such as turning delayed projects into useful developments and ensuring progress on key initiatives to avoid waste and negativity.
Citing General Secretary To Lam's concerns during a recent meeting with the Party's Standing Committee in Hanoi, Tuan noted the importance of addressing voters' petitions. He assured that feedback would continue to be forwarded to relevant authorities for thorough resolution. In the case of unclear responses, deputies would monitor and ensure satisfactory explanations to citizens.
| Overview of the meeting. |
On specific issues raised by constituents, including apartment management, land use, urban planning, transportation, environmental pollution, and waste treatment, Tuan requested Hanoi’s departments review and address tasks within their competence. Any challenges encountered would be resolved collaboratively to ensure effectiveness.
Providing additional updates on the 8th session of the National Assembly, Tuan highlighted the passage of many important laws and resolutions and urged relevant agencies to expedite their implementation. Regarding the government's responsibility to issue execution resolutions for the Capital Law, he noted its comprehensive development, featuring seven chapters and 54 articles related to urban governance models and nine policy groups.
The Hanoi People's Council recently adopted 11 resolutions to implement the Capital Law at a special session. By the year-end session, additional resolutions are expected to be passed to further detail the law's provisions. For matters under government jurisdiction, the city has proposed that central agencies promptly advise the government on issuing necessary guidelines to ensure effective law enforcement.
Tuan affirmed that National Assembly deputies would continue to engage with their constituents and fully communicate their views to relevant authorities for timely responses and solutions.
At its 8th session, the National Assembly approved the investment for the North-South high-speed railway project, with a preliminary total investment of US$67 billion and a target completion date of 2035. The 1,541-kilometer railway will start at Ngoc Hoi Station in Hanoi and end at Thu Thiem Station in Ho Chi Minh City, passing through 20 provinces and cities, including Hanoi, Ha Nam, Nam Dinh, Ninh Binh, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Quang Binh, Quang Tri, Hue, Da Nang, Quang Nam, Quang Ngai, Binh Dinh, Phu Yen, Khanh Hoa, Ninh Thuan, Binh Thuan, Dong Nai, and Ho Chi Minh City. The project involves the construction of a new double-track railway with a 1,435 mm gauge, a design speed of 350 km/h, and a load capacity of 22.5 tons per axle. It will include 23 passenger stations and 5 freight stations, allowing both passenger transport and national defense and security purposes. The railway will also be able to carry freight if required. The project will be financed from the state budget through medium-term public investment cycles and other legal funding sources. The National Assembly has mandated the preparation of a feasibility study report starting in 2025, with the goal of completing the project by 2035. The project will require approximately 10,800 hectares of land and is expected to require the resettlement of 120,836 people. |
