On September 18, 2026, the Ministry of Construction issued Consolidated Document No. 84/2026/VBHN-NĐ-BXD, consolidating regulations on Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) and special mechanisms applicable to certain railway projects. The document provides a unified reference framework for the current regulations governing project formulation, appraisal and approval, FEED design, post-FEED design development, contractor selection, and contract management for projects falling within its scope.
Consolidated Document No. 84/2026/VBHN-NĐ-BXD consolidates Government Decree No. 123/2025/NĐ-CP dated June 11, 2025, together with amendments and supplements introduced by Decree No. 67/2026/NĐ-CP dated March 4, 2026, and Decree No. 352/2026/NĐ-CP dated September 11, 2026.
Scope of Application and Applicable Entities
The document applies to domestic and foreign agencies, organizations, and individuals engaged in construction investment activities in Vietnam in the implementation of nationally important railway projects and urban railway projects, including:
- The North–South high-speed railway project;
- The Lào Cai–Hà Nội–Hải Phòng railway construction investment project;
- Urban railway network development in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, including urban development projects implemented under the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) model;
Other projects: The application of the provisions of this document is encouraged for national railway and local/urban railway projects funded from other lawful sources. For projects financed by ODA or foreign concessional loans, where the applicable regulations differ from those of the donor, the donor's regulations shall prevail.
Regulations on Project Formulation and Appraisal
The document provides procedures, required documentation, and relevant requirements for the formulation, review, appraisal, and approval of construction investment projects.
For certain projects, the document allows FEED design to be used in place of basic design in the Feasibility Study (FS) Report. In such cases, the FS preparation process is carried out through appropriate stages, including an Interim Report and a complete Feasibility Study Report.
The Interim Report forms part of the project preparation process and serves as the basis for consideration and approval of key elements, such as the alignment, locations, and technical and technological solutions, in accordance with applicable regulations.
The dossier submitted for project appraisal includes the documents prescribed by regulations, including the submission proposal, Feasibility Study Report, appraisal report prepared by the design appraisal consultant, and other relevant documents.
Regulations on Front-End Engineering Design (FEED)
An important component of the document is the set of regulations governing FEED design for railway projects.
FEED design may be used in place of basic design in the Feasibility Study (FS) Report. The design process consists of two stages: (1) FEED design; and (2) construction design developed after FEED, which may take the form of detailed design in accordance with international practice or construction drawing design. The project owner may adjust certain technical details during the post-FEED design stage without such adjustments being considered deviations from the original design, provided that the overall technological solution and main alignment are maintained and the approved total investment does not increase.
FEED documentation: The FEED documentation presents the overall structure of the railway system, system interfaces, technological solutions—including rolling stock, telecommunications and signaling, supervision, power supply/traction power, ticketing systems, train control centers, environmental control, and depot maintenance equipment—the applicable standards and technical regulations framework, Reliability, Availability, Maintainability and Safety (RAMS) performance indicators, and Building Information Modeling (BIM).
Accelerating Project Implementation through Parallel Appraisal and EPC/EC/EP Contracts
To address delays in investment preparation procedures, the document introduces a number of special mechanisms:
- Inter-Ministerial Appraisal Council: The Minister of Construction establishes an Appraisal Council to conduct parallel appraisal throughout the FS preparation process.
- Concurrent implementation and separate compensation projects: The document allows surveys, FS preparation, design, and contractor selection activities to be carried out concurrently. It also permits compensation, assistance, and resettlement activities to be separated into an independent project.
- Contractor appointment and FEED-based contractor selection: Direct appointment of contractors may be applied to consulting packages for project preparation. The document also provides specific mechanisms for the execution and management of lump-sum and adjustable contracts for EPC (Engineering–Procurement–Construction), EC (Engineering–Construction), and EP (Engineering–Procurement) packages.
- Total investment and package cost estimates: The document specifies methods for preparing and appraising the estimated total investment at the Interim Report stage and the total project investment. Estimates for EPC, EC, and EP packages are determined on the basis of the cost items included in the total investment and the FS contents, in accordance with the FEED design.
Planning of Areas Surrounding Railway Stations and TOD Development
The provincial-level People's Committee determines the scope and boundaries and organizes the formulation, appraisal, and approval of plans for areas surrounding railway stations in accordance with regulations applicable to functional zoning plans.
During the appraisal and approval of plans for areas surrounding railway stations, the provincial-level People's Committee may decide to adjust land-use functions differently from those specified in previously approved master plans and land-use plans. It may also determine socio-economic and technical indicators, population, construction density, building height, and floor area ratio that differ from the national technical regulations, provided that adequate infrastructure capacity is ensured.
Digital Technology, Capacity Requirements, and Project Management Units
Application of digital technologies: The application of Building Information Modeling (BIM) is decided by the investment decision-maker. The integration of Geographic Information System (GIS) data, Asset Information Management (AIM) systems, and Digital Twins is encouraged.
Professional capacity requirements for individuals: Individuals acting as design leads, design managers, or design appraisal leads must hold a Grade I design practice certificate for road, railway, or bridge/tunnel works and must have experience in at least one Grade I railway project or two Grade II railway projects. The document also provides detailed requirements concerning professional certificates/licenses and experience periods applicable to foreign experts.
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