Decree No. 65/2018/ND-CP provides detailed regulations on the implementation of certain Articles of the Railway Law.

DECREE

Detailed Implementation of Certain Provisions of the Railway Law

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CamendPursuant to the Law on Government Organization on June 19, 2015;

Pursuant to the Railway Law dated June 16, 2017;

At the proposal of the Minister of Transport;

The Government promulgates this Decree to provide detailed regulations and guidance on the implementation of certain Articles of the Railway Law.

PART I

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Article 1. Scope of Regulation

This Decree provides detailed regulations and guidance on the implementation of certain provisions of the Railway Law, including: handling railway crossings with other railways, railway crossings with roads that do not comply with the provisions of the Railway Law, and unauthorized pedestrian paths to ensure railway traffic safety and the implementation timeline; the list of railway accessories, spare parts, materials, and specialized equipment; the service life of railway transportation vehicles; business conditions for railways; discounted fares for socially disadvantaged groups when traveling by train; the list of dangerous goods and conditions for loading, unloading, and transporting dangerous goods by rail; and support for railway businesses in performing special tasks and social welfare.

Article 2. Applicability

This Decree applies to domestic and foreign agencies, organizations, and individuals involved in railway activities within the territory of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

Article 3. Explanation of Terms

In this Decree, the following terms are understood as follows:

1. The service life of railway transportation vehicles is the permitted operating period on the railway from the date the vehicle is newly manufactured and receives a quality, technical safety, and environmental protection certificate from the inspection organization or a quality certificate from the manufacturer until the date the railway transportation vehicle is no longer allowed to operate on the railway.

2. The service life of imported railway transportation vehicles is the maximum period during which the vehicle has been operated and used before being permitted for importation.

A guard post is a location where personnel are assigned to be on duty 24/7 at positions where railway accidents frequently occur, creating signals that both assist and enforce compliance, helping road users recognize that a train is approaching the position so they can take timely measures to ensure traffic safety.

4. Warning is the activity of alerting people or devices when a train is about to pass through positions where railway accidents may occur, using signals and other methods to warn road users not to cross the railway when a train is approaching the warning position.

5. Minor railway traffic accident is an accident resulting in injury to one to five persons or causing property damage valued between twenty million and less than one hundred million Vietnamese dong.

6. Serious railway traffic accident is an accident resulting in one death or injury to six to eight persons or causing property damage valued between one hundred million and less than five hundred million Vietnamese dong.

7. Very serious railway traffic accident is an accident resulting in two deaths or injury to nine to ten persons or causing property damage valued between five hundred million and less than one billion five hundred million Vietnamese dong.

8. Extremely serious railway traffic accident is an accident resulting in three or more deaths or injury to eleven or more persons or causing property damage valued at one billion five hundred million Vietnamese dong or more.

9. Hazardous location for railway traffic safety is a place where railway traffic accidents often occur or are likely to occur.

Chapter II

HANDLING RAILWAY CROSSINGS WITH OTHER RAILWAYS, RAILWAY CROSSINGS WITH ROADS THAT DO NOT COMPLY WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE RAILWAY LAW, UNAUTHORIZED PEDESTRIAN PATHS AND IMPLEMENTATION TIMELINE

Section 1
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS AND PRINCIPLES

Article 4. Requirements and General Principles

The handling of railway crossings with other railways or roads that do not comply with the provisions of the Railway Law, and unauthorized pedestrian crossings must ensure the following requirements and principles:

1. Compliance with the railway route planning, station planning, and provincial planning where the railway passes through.

2. No new unauthorized pedestrian crossings shall be created; existing unauthorized pedestrian crossings shall be reduced and eventually eliminated through construction of bypasses, fences along the railway, and grade-separated crossings, based on available funding.

3. Construction projects outside the safe traffic corridor at level crossings must have technical solutions to ensure safety for people and vehicles during operation.

4. New level crossings must meet technical requirements, comply with planning, and adhere to legal regulations.

Section 2
DANGEROUS LOCATIONS FOR RAILWAY SAFETY

Article 5. Provisions on Dangerous Locations for Railway Safety

1. Dangerous locations for railway safety include:

a) Places frequently involved in railway accidents (hereinafter referred to as black spots for railway accidents);

b) Places potentially involved in railway accidents (hereinafter referred to as potential accident spots for railway accidents).

2. A dangerous level crossing is a level crossing that frequently occurs or may occur railway accidents within the level crossing area according to the criteria set forth in Articles 6 and 7 of this Decree.

Article 6. Criteria for Identifying Black Spots for Railway Accidents

Black spots for railway accidents are identified based on the number of accidents and the extent of damage caused by railway accidents occurring within twelve months from the date of the most recent accident, including:

1. A location where one or more very serious accidents occurred.

2. A location where two or more serious accidents occurred.

3. A location where three or more less serious accidents occurred.

Article 7. Criteria for Identifying Potential Accident Spots for Railway Accidents

Potential accident spots for railway accidents are identified based on the current state of railway works, the railway traffic safety corridor, the number of accidents and the extent of damage caused by railway accidents occurring within twelve months from the date of the most recent accident, including:

1. Occurrence of at least one fatal accident or at least two non-fatal accidents but not reaching the criteria for black spots for railway accidents.

2. The current state of railway works, the railway traffic safety corridor, and traffic organization having factors causing railway traffic safety issues, including:

a) Limited visibility for drivers of vehicles;

b) Level crossings not meeting technical requirements, and distances between level crossings not conforming to the regulations of the Minister of Transport;

c) Violation of the railway traffic safety corridor or passing through densely populated areas;

d) Areas with many unauthorized pedestrian crossings through the railway and other potential safety risks.

Article 8. Management of Dangerous Locations for Railway Safety

1. The People's Committee of the province where there are dangerous railway safety locations is responsible for:

a) Leading the monitoring, analysis, listing, and implementing plans to eliminate and take measures to ensure railway safety at dangerous railway safety locations on national railways and dedicated railways within their jurisdiction;

b) Managing dangerous railway safety locations as stipulated in point a of Clause 1 of this Article.

2. The specialized state management agency for railway transport is responsible for:

a) Cooperating with the People's Committee of the province to implement the contents stipulated in point a of Clause 1 of this Article on national railways;

b) Inspecting and proposing to the Ministry of Transport measures to ensure railway safety at dangerous level crossings on national railways; proposing to the People's Committee of the province measures to ensure railway safety at remaining dangerous railway safety locations on national railways;

c) Inspecting and directing railway infrastructure business enterprises to implement the provisions of Clause 3 of this Article.

3. Railway infrastructure business enterprises are responsible for:

a) Leading and coordinating with all levels of People's Committees to list, plan, and implement measures to ensure safety at dangerous railway safety locations on national railways when assigned, leased, or transferred;

b) Managing files, inspecting, and updating dangerous railway safety locations on national railways for management purposes;

c) Proposing to the specialized state management agency for railway transport measures to ensure railway safety at dangerous locations on national railways.

4. Owners of dedicated railways are responsible for:

a) Leading and coordinating with all levels of People's Committees to list, plan, and implement measures to ensure safety at dangerous railway safety locations on dedicated railways;

b) Managing files, inspecting, and updating dangerous railway safety locations on dedicated railways for management purposes.

Article 9. Implementing traffic safety measures at dangerous locations

In addition to complying with the provisions of the Railway Law and other relevant laws, organizations and individuals must implement traffic safety measures at dangerous locations, including:

1. The People's Committee of the province shall take the lead in organizing the implementation of the following measures to ensure railway traffic safety at dangerous locations:

a) Organizing traffic in the area of dangerous locations for railway traffic safety;

b) Clearing the safe traffic zone for railways and roads, and implementing measures to ensure traffic safety in the managed areas;

c) Implementing measures to immediately address black spots causing railway accidents to prevent or reduce railway accidents at these locations;

d) Organizing the reduction or elimination of dangerous locations for railway traffic safety, except in cases specified in points a and b Clause 4 of this Article, or eliminating potential accident-causing points (in priority order for potential accident points);

đ) In cases where the measures prescribed in points a, b, c, and d of this Clause cannot be implemented, it is necessary to immediately develop and implement guard post plans, material bases for guard posts at self-opened paths identified as dangerous locations for railway traffic safety; arranging personnel who have been trained to conduct surveillance and guarding at self-opened paths identified as black spots or potential accident points for railway traffic safety.

2. State management agencies specializing in railway transport:

a) Cooperating with People's Committees at all levels and railway infrastructure business enterprises to implement the contents prescribed in points b, c, and d Clause 1 of this Article at dangerous locations for railway traffic safety on national railways;

b) Cooperating with railway infrastructure business enterprises and People's Committees at all levels to organize the reduction or elimination of level crossings that are dangerous locations for railway traffic safety on national railways; providing training for personnel assigned by localities to conduct surveillance and guarding at self-opened paths that are dangerous locations for railway traffic safety on national railways.

3. Railway infrastructure business enterprises:

a) Cooperating with People's Committees at all levels and state management agencies specializing in railway transport to implement the contents prescribed in points b, c, and d Clause 1 of this Article at dangerous locations for railway traffic safety on national railways;

b) Implementing the elimination of level crossings that are dangerous locations for railway traffic safety on national railways;

c) Providing training for surveillance and guarding and supplying equipment to personnel assigned by localities to conduct surveillance and guarding at self-opened paths that are dangerous locations for railway traffic safety;

d) Conducting guarding at level crossings that are dangerous locations for railway traffic safety on national railways.

4. Owners of dedicated railways:

a) Cooperating with People's Committees at all levels to implement the contents prescribed in points b, c, and d Clause 1 of this Article for dangerous locations for railway traffic safety on dedicated railways;

b) Implementing the elimination of level crossings that are dangerous locations for railway traffic safety on dedicated railways;

c) Providing training for surveillance and guarding and supplying equipment to personnel assigned by localities to conduct surveillance and guarding at self-opened paths that are dangerous locations for railway traffic safety on dedicated railways;

d) Conducting guarding at level crossings that are dangerous locations for railway traffic safety on dedicated railways.

Article 10. Dedicated Railways Crossing National Railways

1. The owner of dedicated railways shall be responsible for investing, constructing, and maintaining grade-separated intersections between dedicated railways and national railways.

2. Responsibilities of relevant agencies when grade-separated intersections between dedicated railways and national railways cannot be constructed according to the provisions of Clause 1 of this Article include:

a) The Ministry of Transport shall be responsible for organizing the renovation, upgrading, and maintenance of parts of national railway works intersecting with dedicated railways;

b) Enterprises operating railway infrastructure shall be responsible for implementing maintenance of parts of national railway works intersecting with dedicated railways in accordance with the law when they are assigned, leased, or transferred; they shall take the lead and coordinate with the owner of dedicated railways to organize protection and unify implementation of measures to ensure safety for trains passing through the intersection; they shall take the lead and unify the management and operation of railway transportation for trains passing through the intersection;

c) The owner of dedicated railways shall be responsible for renovating, upgrading, and maintaining parts of dedicated railway works intersecting with national railways; coordinating and being subject to the management and operation of railway transportation by enterprises operating railway infrastructure for trains passing through the intersection.

Article 11. Railways Crossing Roads of Class III and Above; Railways Crossing Urban Roads; Railways with Design Speed of 100 km/h and Above Crossing Roads; Urban Railways Crossing Roads

1. The investor of new construction projects shall be responsible for investing in and constructing grade-separated intersections and organizing management and maintenance of these intersections.

2. Responsibilities of relevant agencies in cases where grade-separated intersections cannot be constructed according to the provisions of Clause 1 of this Article include:

a) People's Committees at all levels, enterprises operating railway infrastructure, project investors, or organizations and individuals requiring traffic through railways shall be responsible for implementing the provisions of Clause 4, Article 17 of the Railway Law;

b) Project investors and owners of new construction projects shall be responsible for investing, constructing, upgrading, and renovating into manned level crossings and shall bear responsibility for organizing management, maintenance, and operation of the level crossing or hiring enterprises to organize management, maintenance, and operation of the level crossing.

Article 12. Railways with Design Speed Less Than 100 km/h Crossing Roads; Railways Crossing Roads of Class IV and Below

1. At the intersection points between railways with design speed less than 100 km/h and roads, railways crossing roads of Class IV and below must construct level crossings. Projects for building level crossings shall be implemented in accordance with this Decree and other related legal regulations.

2. Authority to approve the proposal for constructing level crossings:

b) Provincial People's Committees, municipal people's committees directly under the central government for public level crossings built on dedicated railways related to provincial roads, district roads, commune roads, urban roads, and specialized roads within their jurisdiction;

c) The owner of dedicated railways for specialized level crossings built on dedicated railways.

3. Documents and procedures for approving the proposal for constructing level crossings:

a) When establishing a project for building a level crossing, the project investor shall be responsible for preparing one set of documents requesting approval including: A request letter according to the model prescribed in Appendix I issued together with this Decree and a map of the area for constructing the level crossing;

c) Within two working days from the date of receiving complete and valid documents, the authority specified in Clause 2 of this Article shall send a letter seeking opinions from relevant agencies and units; if the documents are not valid, a reply letter and guidance for the investor to complete the documents in accordance with this Decree shall be issued within two working days;

d) Within five working days from the date of receiving the opinion-seeking letter, relevant agencies and units must issue a reply letter; beyond this period, if there is no opinion, it will be considered as agreement and such agency or unit shall bear responsibility for its opinion;

4. Enterprises operating railway infrastructure, owners of dedicated railways, organizations, and individuals using level crossings shall be responsible for implementing measures to ensure railway traffic safety at level crossings.

5. The People's Committee of the district where the railway passes through shall take the lead and coordinate with enterprises operating railway infrastructure, owners of dedicated railways, and related organizations and individuals to clear the safe traffic zone at level crossings as prescribed.

6. Investors of new construction projects shall be responsible for investing, constructing, upgrading, and renovating level crossings and organizing management, maintenance, and operation of level crossings in accordance with this Decree and other related legal regulations.

Article 13. Management of self-created crossings

1. The People's Committee of the province where there are dangerous railway safety locations is responsible for:

a) Take the lead in organizing the establishment of management files and implementation schedules for measures to ensure railway traffic safety at self-created crossings on railways within their jurisdiction;

b) Organize the management and monitoring of self-created crossings for railway traffic safety as stipulated in point a of Clause 1 of this Article, and promptly take measures to prevent the emergence of new self-created crossings.

2. The specialized state management agency for railway transport is responsible for:

a) Cooperating with the People's Committee of the province to implement the contents stipulated in point a of Clause 1 of this Article on national railways;

b) Inspect and propose to the People's Committee of the province measures to ensure railway traffic safety at self-created crossings on national railways;

c) Inspecting and directing railway infrastructure business enterprises to implement the provisions of Clause 3 of this Article.

3. Railway infrastructure business enterprises are responsible for:

a) Take the lead and coordinate with the People's Committees at all levels to establish management files and implementation schedules for measures to ensure safety at self-created crossings on national railways when assigned, leased, or transferred;

b) Manage files, inspect, and update self-created crossings on national railways to serve management purposes; promptly detect, report, and coordinate with the People's Committees at all levels to take measures to prevent the emergence of new self-created crossings.

4. Owners of dedicated railways are responsible for:

a) Take the lead and coordinate with the People's Committees at all levels to establish management files and implementation schedules for measures to ensure safety at self-created crossings on dedicated railways;

b) Manage files, inspect, and update self-created crossings on dedicated railways to serve management purposes; promptly detect, report, and coordinate with the People's Committees at all levels to take measures to prevent the emergence of new self-created crossings.

Article 14. Implementation of Measures to Prevent the Emergence of Self-Created Crossings, Narrow and Eliminate Self-Created Crossings Through Railways

In addition to implementing the provisions of the Railway Law and related laws, organizations and individuals must implement measures to prevent the emergence of self-created crossings, narrow, and eliminate self-created crossings, including:

1. For the People's Committee of the province:

a) Implement measures to prevent the emergence of self-created crossings, narrow the width of crossings, and eliminate self-created crossings. In cases where self-created crossings have not been eliminated, measures must be taken to strengthen traffic safety, including: Organizing traffic flow for vehicles passing through self-created crossings to reduce vehicle density on railways; implementing measures to narrow the width of self-created crossings, maintaining sufficient warning signs in the areas of self-created crossings according to regulations;

b) Implement measures to reduce the number and eliminate self-created crossings, including: Renovating and upgrading these crossings into appropriate railway intersections with roads according to approved relevant master plans; constructing bypass roads combined with protective fences to connect to level crossings and other intersection points to reduce the number of self-created crossings through railways;

c) Take the lead and coordinate with specialized state management agencies for railway transport, railway infrastructure business enterprises, owners of dedicated railways, and related organizations and individuals to implement the contents stipulated in points a and b of Clause 1 of this Article.

2. For specialized state management agencies for railway transport:

a) Coordinate with the People's Committees at all levels and railway infrastructure business enterprises to implement the contents stipulated in Clause 1 of this Article;

b) Organize inspections, urge, and direct railway infrastructure business enterprises in coordinating to implement measures to prevent, reduce, and eliminate self-created crossings and measures to ensure traffic safety at self-created crossings.

3. Railway infrastructure business enterprises and owners of dedicated railways are responsible for coordinating with the People's Committees at all levels to implement the contents stipulated in points a and b of Clause 1 of this Article.

Article 15. Funding for the management, reduction, and elimination of unauthorized crossings and level crossings identified as dangerous to railway safety

1. Funding for the management, reduction, and elimination of unauthorized crossings on national railways and dedicated railways managed by localities shall be allocated from the locality's budget or from the central budget allocated to the locality according to the project approved by the competent authority.

2. Funding for the management, reduction, and elimination of level crossings on national railways identified as dangerous to railway safety shall be guaranteed from the central budget and other sources as prescribed by law.

3. Funding for the management, reduction, and elimination of dedicated railways crossing national railways, level crossings on dedicated railways, or level crossings identified as dangerous to railway safety as stipulated in this Decree shall be the responsibility of the owner of the dedicated railway, organizations, or individuals using them.

4. Encouragement and facilitation shall be provided for organizations and individuals investing funding to narrow, reduce, and eliminate unauthorized crossings and dangerous locations for railway traffic safety.

Article 16. Implementation schedule for narrowing, reducing, and eliminating unauthorized crossings and eliminating dedicated railway crossings with national railways

The narrowing and elimination of unauthorized crossings and dedicated railway crossings with national railways shall be carried out according to the following schedule:

1. By 2020, the following tasks must be completed:

a) Completing the establishment of records and organizing the management of dangerous locations for railway traffic safety and unauthorized crossings as stipulated in Articles 8 and 13 of this Decree;

b) Developing a plan to implement the narrowing, reduction, and elimination of unauthorized crossings and dangerous locations for railway traffic safety;

c) Concentrating on eliminating unauthorized crossings in densely populated areas within sections of railway lines with high train speed and frequency; unauthorized crossings that are dangerous locations for railway traffic safety;

d) Narrowing the width to less than three meters for all unauthorized crossings with a width of three meters or more.

2. By 2025, the following tasks must be completed:

a) Eliminating all remaining unauthorized crossings on railway lines;

b) Completing the elimination of dedicated railway crossings with national railways. Transport through the national railway at this location shall be conducted by another method or the crossing shall be abolished.

Chapter III

LIST OF ACCESSORIES, PARTS, MATERIALS, AND SPECIALIZED EQUIPMENT FOR RAILWAYS; SERVICE LIFE RAILWAY TRANSPORTATION MEANS AND IMPLEMENTATION SCHEDULE

Article 17. List of accessories, parts, materials, and specialized equipment for railways

1. The list of accessories, parts, materials, and specialized equipment for railways shall be implemented according to the provisions set forth in Appendix III attached to this Decree.

2. In cases where it is necessary to adjust the list of accessories, parts, materials, and specialized railway equipment, the Minister of Transport shall compile a report to the Prime Minister for consideration and decision.

1. For locomotives and passenger carriages running on the main lines of national railways, dedicated railways, and urban railways: Not exceeding 40 years.

2. For freight carriages running on the main lines of national railways and dedicated railways: Not exceeding 45 years.

4. For imported railway transport vehicles that have been used: Only vehicles that have been used for no more than 10 years for passenger carriages, locomotives, and urban railway carriages, and no more than 15 years for freight carriages may be imported.

5. The service life of railway transport vehicles shall be calculated from the date when the newly constructed vehicle is issued a quality, safety, technical inspection certificate, and environmental protection certificate by the inspection organization or a quality certificate by the manufacturer.

1. Vehicles reaching their service life before December 31, 2018: Allowed to operate until December 31, 2020.

2. Vehicles reaching their service life from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019: Allowed to operate until December 31, 2021.

3. Vehicles reaching their service life from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020: Allowed to operate until December 31, 2022.

4. Vehicles reaching their service life from January 1, 2023 onwards: Shall not be allowed to extend their operating time.

Chapter IV

CONDITIONS FOR RAILWAY BUSINESS OPERATIONS

Article 20. Conditions for Operating Railway Infrastructure Business

A business operating railway infrastructure must meet the following conditions:

1. Having a department responsible for safety work. The person in charge of the railway infrastructure safety department must have a bachelor's degree in railway construction engineering and at least three years of direct experience working in one of the following fields: Construction, management, maintenance of railway infrastructure.

2. Having at least one business manager with a bachelor's degree and at least three years of direct experience working in one of the following fields: Construction, management, maintenance of railway infrastructure.

3. The railway infrastructure under the responsibility of the business must comply with current technical standards.

Article 21. Conditions for Operating Railway Transport Business

A business operating railway transport must meet the following conditions:

1. Having a department responsible for railway transport safety work.

2. Having at least one safety officer with a bachelor's degree in railway transport engineering and at least three years of direct experience working in railway transport management and operation.

3. The person assigned primary responsibility for technical management of railway transport operations must have a bachelor's degree and at least three years of direct experience working in railway transport operation.

Article 22. Conditions for operating urban railway business

Enterprises operating urban railway business must meet the following conditions:

1. The urban railway system when put into operation and exploitation must have a system safety certification in accordance with the provisions of the law.

2. There must be a department responsible for the safety work of railway infrastructure structures, railway transportation safety operations, including:

a) The person in charge of the railway infrastructure structure safety department must have a bachelor's degree or higher and at least three years of direct work experience in one of the following fields: construction, management, maintenance of railway infrastructure structures;

b) The person in charge of the railway transportation safety department must have a bachelor's degree or higher and at least three years of direct work experience in the field of railway transportation exploitation.

3. There must be at least three enterprise managers with a bachelor's degree or higher, including:

a) One person with at least three years of direct work experience in one of the following fields: construction, management, maintenance of railway infrastructure structures;

b) One person with at least three years of direct work experience in the field of railway transportation exploitation;

c) One person with at least three years of direct work experience in management, application, repair of locomotives and carriages.

4. For the first time urban railway lines are put into exploitation, within three years from the start of exploitation if personnel with the required number of years of work experience as stipulated in Clause 3 of this Article cannot be arranged, then during the first three years of exploitation, the following conditions must be ensured:

a) The person assigned primary responsibility for managing railway infrastructure structures must have a bachelor's degree or higher in railway engineering construction, holding a certificate or training qualification in technology transfer on management and exploitation of railway infrastructure structures of the assigned urban railway line;

b) The person assigned primary responsibility for managing railway transportation exploitation must have a bachelor's degree or higher in railway transportation exploitation or economic-railway transportation, holding a certificate or training qualification in technology transfer on management and exploitation of railway transportation of the assigned urban railway line;

c) The person assigned primary responsibility for managing locomotives and carriages must have a bachelor's degree or higher in locomotive and carriage engineering, holding a certificate or training qualification in technology transfer on urban railway locomotives and carriages management.

5. Enterprises operating urban railway business must have all measures to ensure absolute safety during the operation and exploitation process.

Chapter V

DISCOUNTS ON TICKETS FOR SOCIAL POLICY OBJECTIVES WHEN TRAVELING BY TRAIN

Article 23. Subjects eligible for ticket discounts

1. Persons who were engaged in revolutionary activities before the August 19 Revolution in 1945.

2. Mothers awarded the title of Heroic Mother Vietnam.

3. War invalids, persons entitled to benefits equivalent to war invalids.

4. Persons who participated in the resistance struggle and were exposed to toxic chemicals.

5. Persons with extremely severe disabilities, persons with severe disabilities.

6. Elderly people.

7. Other subjects as prescribed by law.

Article 24. Exemptions and discounts on tickets for social policy objectives

1. Ticket discounts apply to the following subjects:

a) A discount of 90% applies to persons who were engaged in revolutionary activities before the August 19 Revolution in 1945; mothers awarded the title of Heroic Mother Vietnam;

b) A discount of 30% applies to subjects who are war invalids, persons entitled to benefits equivalent to war invalids; victims of toxic chemicals;

c) Discounts on tickets for subjects who are persons with extremely severe disabilities; persons with severe disabilities; elderly people shall be implemented according to the provisions of the law on persons with disabilities and the elderly.

2. The ticket discounts stipulated in Clause 1 of this Article shall be applied based on the actual selling price of the seat type and train type used by the subject.

3. The exemptions and discounts on tickets for social policy objectives stipulated in Article 23 when traveling by international passenger trains shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of international treaties to which the Socialist Republic of Vietnam is a member.

4. The level of exemptions and discounts on tickets for social policy objectives stipulated in Clause 7 of Article 23 shall be implemented in accordance with the provisions of the law.

Article 25. Other Provisions on Exemption and Reduction of Ticket Prices

1. Based on specific conditions and timeframes, railway transport enterprises may expand the scope of individuals eligible for ticket price exemptions and reductions for children according to age and other passenger categories; the level of ticket price reduction shall be determined in accordance with the enterprise's regulations.

2. In cases where social policy beneficiaries are entitled to two or more ticket price reduction benefits, they shall only enjoy the highest level of ticket price reduction.

3. Individuals who are exempted or granted reductions in ticket prices must present proof of their eligibility along with personal identification when purchasing tickets and boarding trains.

Chapter VI

DANGEROUS GOODS AND RAILWAY TRANSPORTATION OF DANGEROUS GOODS

Section 1

DANGEROUS GOODS

Article 26. Classification of Dangerous Goods

1. Based on chemical and physical properties, dangerous goods are classified into nine types and divided into the following groups:

a) Type 1: Explosives, including the following groups:

- Group 1.1: Explosives.

- Group 1.2: Industrial explosives.

b) Type 2: Flammable gases and toxic gases, including the following groups:

- Group 2.1: Flammable gases.

- Group 2.2: Toxic gases.

c) Type 3: Flammable liquids and desensitized flammable liquids.

d) Type 4: Flammable solids, including the following groups:

- Group 4.1: Flammable solids, self-reactive substances, and desensitized solid explosives.

- Group 4.2: Substances liable to spontaneous combustion.

- Group 4.3: Substances which, in contact with water, emit flammable gases.

đ) Type 5: Oxidizing substances, including the following groups:

- Group 5.1: Oxidizing substances.

- Group 5.2: Organic peroxides.

e) Type 6: Toxic and infectious substances, including the following groups:

- Group 6.1: Toxic substances.

- Group 6.2: Infectious substances.

g) Type 7: Radioactive materials.

h) Type 8: Corrosive substances.

i) Type 9: Miscellaneous dangerous goods.

2. Packages and containers that have not been cleaned inside and out after removal of dangerous goods (except for packages and containers for transporting gases, flammable liquids, and Class 1 flammable solids with a volume less than 0.5 cubic meters) are also considered as corresponding dangerous goods.

Article 27. List of Dangerous Goods

The list of dangerous goods is categorized by type and group, accompanied by hazard codes and numbers in accordance with the provisions of the law on dangerous goods.

Article 28. Packaging, Containers, Markings, Hazardous Goods Labels, and Warning Signs

1. Dangerous goods that are required to be packaged must be packaged before being transported by rail. The packaging of dangerous goods must comply with national standards, technical regulations, and legal provisions on packaging dangerous goods and the regulations of competent state authorities.

2. Packages and containers for dangerous goods must comply with national standards, technical regulations, legal provisions on packaging dangerous goods, and must be affixed with hazardous goods labels. The size, symbols, and colors of the hazardous goods labels must comply with the provisions set forth in Section 1 of Appendix IV issued together with this Decree.

3. The marking of dangerous goods must comply with the provisions on labeling goods circulating domestically and goods for export and import.

4. On both sides of the transportation vehicle carrying dangerous goods, hazardous goods labels must be affixed. If a vehicle carries different types of dangerous goods, all labels for those types of dangerous goods must be affixed. If the vehicle carries containers or tanks containing dangerous goods, the hazardous goods labels must also be directly affixed to those containers or tanks.

5. The warning sign is rectangular, yellow-orange in color, with the United Nations number (UN number) in the center; the size of the warning sign must comply with the provisions set forth in Section 2 of Appendix IV issued together with this Decree; the position of the warning sign is below the hazardous goods label.

6. The packaging, containers, markings, hazardous goods labels, and warning signs for the transportation of radioactive materials must also comply with the legal provisions on radiation safety and control.

Section 2
TRANSPORTATION OF DANGEROUS GOODS

Article 29. General Provisions

1. Organizations and individuals of Vietnam and foreign organizations and individuals engaged in activities related to dangerous goods transportation on railways must comply with the provisions of the Railway Law and other relevant laws.

2. The operation of trains, formation of trains, and consolidation of trains during the transportation of dangerous goods must comply with national technical standards for railway operation and railway signaling.

3. The Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Public Security, based on their functions, tasks, and authorities as prescribed, shall be responsible for leading and coordinating with the Ministry of Transport to regulate the transportation of dangerous goods on railways for defense and security purposes.

Article 30. Transportation of Dangerous Goods in Special Cases for Defense and Security Purposes

The Prime Minister decides on the transportation of dangerous goods on railways to meet urgent needs for disease prevention and control, disaster relief, enemy threats, and other urgent needs based on proposals from relevant ministries and agencies.

Article 31. Requirements for Personnel Involved in Dangerous Goods Transportation

1. Train dispatchers, station duty officers, train captains, shunting crew members (shunt leaders; locomotive coupling staff, car coupling staff; guards), cargo handling personnel at stations, drivers controlling transport means carrying dangerous goods, warehouse keepers, and loaders/unloaders of dangerous goods at stations and yards organized by railway business enterprises must undergo training in occupational safety and health according to the laws on labor safety and hygiene, and training in dangerous goods transportation according to the content and programs specified by competent authorities as provided for in Clause 2 of Article 39 of this Decree.

2. Training content related to each group and type of transported goods includes:

a) Physical and chemical characteristics of dangerous goods;

b) Assessment and detection of risks and dangers that may arise during the handling of dangerous goods;

c) Measures to prevent and improve working conditions when handling dangerous goods;

d) Handling incidents occurring during storage, loading/unloading, preservation, and transportation of dangerous goods.

Article 32. Loading, Unloading, and Storage of Dangerous Goods

1. Persons involved in loading, unloading, and storing dangerous goods must carry out these activities in accordance with the provisions of this Decree and the guidelines of competent authorities as stipulated in Clause 2 of Article 39 of this Decree.

2. Based on regulations of the Ministry of Transport and competent authorities as stipulated in Clause 2 of Article 39 of this Decree, and instructions from the consignor, the person primarily responsible for receiving and organizing the transportation of dangerous goods determines the loading plan and securing methods for dangerous goods and directs relevant positions to properly execute the loading and unloading operations.

a) Loading and securing dangerous goods on rail transport vehicles must strictly follow the loading plan; different types of dangerous goods that enhance or create higher risks when loaded together in the same wagon must not be mixed.

b) Formation of trains transporting dangerous goods must comply with the specific transportation regulations for such goods.

3. Loading and unloading of dangerous goods in warehouses and yards of stations and inland ports must follow the guidance of the warehouse keeper. Based on regulations of the Ministry of Transport and competent authorities as stipulated in Clause 2 of Article 39 of this Decree, and instructions from the consignor, the warehouse keeper guides, supervises the loading and unloading of dangerous goods in warehouses and yards, and is responsible for the period during which dangerous goods are stored there.

4. For types and groups of dangerous goods that must be loaded, unloaded, and stored separately according to regulations, they must be placed in designated areas to ensure safety according to their specific characteristics.

5. After all dangerous goods have been removed from the warehouse or yard, the storage area must be cleaned to avoid affecting other goods.

Article 33. Requirements for Hazardous Goods Transport Vehicles and Cleaning of Hazardous Goods Transport Vehicles

1. The vehicle must comply with the national technical standards issued by the Minister of Transport and be suitable for the type of goods being transported.

2. After unloading all hazardous goods, the consignee shall be responsible for organizing the cleaning of the hazardous goods transport vehicle according to regulations without affecting railway operations and the environment.

3. The cleaning of hazardous goods transport vehicles shall take place at stations where hazardous goods are unloaded. Waste and wastewater generated during the cleaning process must be collected, treated, and managed in accordance with environmental protection laws.

4. Cleaning procedures: After the hazardous goods transport vehicle has completed unloading, it must be cleaned in the following sequence:

a) Dry cleaning using scraping, sweeping, and collecting scattered materials on the vehicle.

b) Wet cleaning of the vehicle using cleaning agents and clean water.

c) Collecting, managing, and treating waste in accordance with regulations.

Article 34. Responsibilities of Individuals Directly Involved in Hazardous Goods Transportation

1. Individuals directly involved in hazardous goods transportation include train dispatchers, station duty officers, train captains, cargo handling staff, chemical transport staff, and drivers controlling hazardous goods transport vehicles. In addition to complying with the provisions of the Railway Law and related regulations in this Decree, they also have the following responsibilities:

a) Adhering to the requirements specified in the permit for hazardous goods regarding the type, group, and name of hazardous goods that require permits.

b) Implementing instructions provided in the notification from the hazardous goods transportation customer.

c) When hazardous goods incidents occur that threaten the safety of people, vehicles, the environment, and other goods during transportation, promptly taking measures to limit or eliminate the harmful effects of the hazardous goods; documenting the incident, reporting to the nearest local People's Committee and relevant authorities for handling; if beyond their capacity to handle, reporting to superiors and the hazardous goods transportation customer for timely resolution.

2. In addition to the provisions in Clause 1 of this Article, chemical transport staff must:

a) Prepare hazardous goods documentation including transport documents, cargo layout diagrams, and other related documents.

b) Continuously guide and supervise the loading and unloading of goods on the vehicle, and manage hazardous goods during transportation when there is no escort.

c) When hazardous goods incidents occur that threaten the safety of people, vehicles, the environment, and other goods during transportation, promptly taking measures to limit or eliminate the harmful effects of the hazardous goods; documenting the incident, reporting to the nearest local People's Committee and relevant authorities for handling; if beyond their capacity to handle, reporting to superiors and the hazardous goods transportation customer for timely resolution.

Article 35. Contract for Hazardous Goods Transportation

The contract for hazardous goods transportation shall be implemented in accordance with Article 55 of the Railway Law and other relevant legal provisions.

Article 36. Responsibilities of the Customer of Hazardous Goods Transportation

In addition to complying with the provisions of the Railway Law and related regulations in this Decree, the customer of hazardous goods transportation also has the following responsibilities:

1. Possess a hazardous goods transportation permit issued by the competent authority for the type, group, and name of hazardous goods that require such permits.

2. Prepare and submit a declaration form for hazardous goods in accordance with regulations before loading onto the vehicle, which must clearly state: Name of hazardous goods; code number; type and group of hazardous goods; total weight; packaging type; quantity of packages; date and place of production; name and address of the hazardous goods transportation customer and consignee.

3. Notify the hazardous goods transportation company in writing about the requirements to be followed during transportation; provide guidance on handling incidents caused by hazardous goods, including when there is an escort; be responsible for losses arising from delayed, inaccurate, or invalid information, documents, and instructions.

4. Organize escorts for types and groups of hazardous goods that must have escorts as stipulated in Clause 3 of Article 29 of this Decree. The escort of hazardous goods is responsible for continuously guiding and supervising the loading and unloading of hazardous goods on the vehicle; working together with the train captain or person performing the train captain's duties and related personnel to manage the goods to promptly handle incidents during transportation.

5. Purchase insurance for hazardous goods during rail transportation in accordance with legal provisions.

Article 37. Responsibilities of Hazardous Goods Transport Enterprises

In addition to complying with the provisions of the Railway Law and related provisions of this Decree, hazardous goods transport enterprises shall also be responsible for the following:

1. Only conduct transportation when having a permit for transporting hazardous goods and such goods have complete documentation, packaging, and labeling in accordance with regulations.

2. Inspect hazardous goods to ensure safe transportation in accordance with regulations.

3. Implement instructions noted in the notification of the person hiring transportation services and the provisions noted in the permit for hazardous goods.

4. Direct those directly involved in the transportation of hazardous goods to comply with regulations on the transportation of hazardous goods by railway.

5. Purchase insurance in accordance with the law.

Article 38. Responsibilities of Local People's Committees When Accidents Occur During the Transportation of Hazardous Goods

Upon receiving a report of an accident occurring during the transportation of hazardous goods by railway, the nearest local People's Committee shall be responsible for mobilizing forces to promptly carry out the following tasks:

1. Rescue people, means of transport, and hazardous goods.

2. Remove victims (if any) from the incident area and organize first aid for the victims.

3. Establish a quarantine zone, evacuate residents from contaminated areas, and simultaneously report to higher-level People's Committees to mobilize firefighting, chemical defense, epidemic prevention, environmental protection forces to promptly handle the accident and mitigate its consequences.

4. Organize and arrange forces to protect the scene, safeguard hazardous goods, and means of transport to continue transportation and support investigation and aftermath resolution work.

Article 39. Authority to Issue Permits for Transporting Hazardous Goods

1. Based on the level of danger of hazardous goods, authorities with jurisdiction as stipulated in Clause 2 of this Article shall be responsible for specifying types, groups, and names of hazardous goods that the person hiring transportation services must have a permit for transporting hazardous goods when transporting by railway.

a) The Ministry of Public Security issues permits for transporting hazardous goods of types 1, 2, 3, 4, and 9 specified in Clause 1 of Article 26 of this Decree and not within the purview of the Ministry of National Defense.

b) The Ministry of National Defense issues permits for transporting or orders for transporting hazardous goods of types 1, 2, 3, 4, and 9 specified in Clause 1 of Article 26 of this Decree within the purview of the Ministry of National Defense.

c) The Ministry of Science and Technology specifies the issuance of permits for transporting hazardous goods of types 5, 7, and 8 specified in Clause 1 of Article 26 of this Decree.

d) The Ministry of Health specifies the issuance of permits for transporting hazardous goods for toxic chemicals used in the medical field and insecticides, bactericides used in household applications.

đ) The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development specifies the issuance of permits for transporting hazardous goods for plant protection products.

e) The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment specifies the issuance of permits for transporting hazardous goods of type 6 specified in Clause 1 of Article 26 of this Decree.

Article 40. Permit for Transporting Hazardous Goods

1. The permit for transporting hazardous goods is issued by the competent authorities as stipulated in Clause 2 of Article 39 of this Decree to the person hiring transportation services for hazardous goods.

2. The model of the permit for transporting hazardous goods shall be implemented according to Model Nos. 01 and 07 prescribed in Appendix V attached to this Decree.

3. The permit for transporting hazardous goods is issued for each consignment.

4. The permit for transporting hazardous goods related to fire and explosion shall be implemented in accordance with the laws on fire prevention and fighting.

Article 41. Documents, Procedures, Formalities, and Time Limit for Issuing Dangerous Goods Transport Permits

1. The application documents for issuing a Dangerous Goods Transport Permit include:

a) An application form for a Dangerous Goods Transport Permit carried out according to Form No. 02 prescribed in Appendix V attached to this Decree;

b) A certified copy (or a copy with the original for comparison) of the Enterprise Registration Certificate of the organization or individual applying for a Dangerous Goods Transport Permit clearly showing that the organization or individual has been granted permission to operate in dangerous goods transport or business;

c) A list of dangerous goods categories, quantities, and transport routes (departure station, destination station); a list of dangerous goods escorts carried out according to Form No. 03 prescribed in Appendix V attached to this Decree;

d) A certified copy from the enterprise for the transport contract or a written agreement regarding the rail transport of dangerous goods between the dangerous goods transport lessee and the rail transport business enterprise;

đ) A preventive and emergency response plan during dangerous goods transport signed and stamped by the organization or individual applying for a Dangerous Goods Transport Permit;

e) A cleaning plan for vehicles and environmental protection requirements after the completion of transport carried out according to Form No. 04 prescribed in Appendix V attached to this Decree.

2. Procedures, formalities, and time limit for issuing Dangerous Goods Transport Permits:

a) The dangerous goods transport lessee or the dangerous goods transport business enterprise (authorized by the dangerous goods transport lessee) prepares one set of documents in accordance with Clause 1 of this Article and directly sends, sends through postal services, or sends by other appropriate means to the competent authority specified in Clause 2 of Article 39 of this Decree to issue a Dangerous Goods Transport Permit;

b) Within three working days from the date of receiving valid documents, the competent authority specified in Clause 2 of Article 39 of this Decree shall be responsible for issuing a Dangerous Goods Transport Permit to the applicant; if not issued, it must provide a written reply stating the reasons; if the documents are incomplete, within two working days, it must provide a written reply and guide the applicant to complete the documents in accordance with this Decree;

c) If the information in the registration declaration is incorrect or the dangerous goods transported have large quantities or high hazards, the competent authority specified in Clause 2 of Article 39 of this Decree shall organize the inspection of the transport conditions of the organization or individual according to this Decree before issuing a Dangerous Goods Transport Permit. The inspection and issuance time limit in this case is five days, starting from the date of receipt of the documents.

3. Validity period of Dangerous Goods Transport Permit: The Dangerous Goods Transport Permit issued for each consignment of dangerous goods to be transported by rail is effective from the date of issuance and expires when the consignment has been transported to its destination as stipulated in the transport contract.

4. Reissuing Dangerous Goods Transport Permit: A Dangerous Goods Transport Permit will be reissued in cases where it is lost, damaged, or the content recorded on the permit is blurred and cannot fully reflect the content. Application documents for reissuing a Dangerous Goods Transport Permit include:

a) An application form for reissuing a Dangerous Goods Transport Permit carried out according to Form No. 05 prescribed in Appendix V attached to this Decree;

b) A report on the operation of dangerous goods transport with the consignment already issued a Dangerous Goods Transport Permit carried out according to Form No. 06 prescribed in Appendix V attached to this Decree;

c) The original Dangerous Goods Transport Permit that is damaged.

5. Procedures for reissuing Dangerous Goods Transport Permit:

a) Within two working days, if all documents are received, the competent authority specified in Clause 2 of Article 39 of this Decree shall be responsible for reissuing a Dangerous Goods Transport Permit to the applicant; if not reissued, it must provide a written reply stating the reasons; if the documents are incomplete, it must provide a written notice and guide the applicant to complete the reissue permit documents in accordance with this Decree;

b) The validity period of the reissued Dangerous Goods Transport Permit is recorded according to the validity period of the previously issued permit;

c) The Dangerous Goods Transport Permit (for reissue purposes) carried out according to Form No. 07 prescribed in Appendix V attached to this Decree.

6. The competent authority issuing Dangerous Goods Transport Permits decides to revoke the issued Dangerous Goods Transport Permit and clearly states the reasons for revocation. The revocation of a Dangerous Goods Transport Permit is implemented in cases where the person who has been issued the permit commits one of the following acts:

a) Has been dissolved or declared bankrupt according to the law but still carries out dangerous goods transport;

b) Commits a violation of the law resulting in a decision by the competent state management agency to stop dangerous goods transport business operations;

c) Leases, lends, or arbitrarily modifies the content of the issued Dangerous Goods Transport Permit;

d) Does not comply with the content stipulated in the Dangerous Goods Transport Permit;

đ) Causes an accident due to the fault of the organization or individual during the transport of dangerous goods one or more times and is subject to administrative penalties by the competent state management agency according to the regulations;

e) Submits a written request not to continue dangerous goods transport operations.

7. The competent authorities issuing Dangerous Goods Transport Permits specified in Clause 2 of Article 39 of this Decree are responsible for publicly announcing on mass media and their own electronic portals the name of the authority, phone number, and address of the Dangerous Goods Transport Permit issuing authority for organizations and individuals to contact for work-related matters.

8. Documents, procedures, formalities, and time limits for issuing permits for transporting flammable and explosive materials are carried out in accordance with laws on fire prevention and fighting; in cases of transporting explosives, they are carried out in accordance with laws on the management and use of weapons, explosives, and auxiliary tools.

Article 42. Hazardous goods transport cars and loading/unloading stations for hazardous goods

Enterprises conducting hazardous goods transportation on railways must ensure that the types of vehicles comply with national technical standards and regulations, and the laws governing hazardous goods transportation, loading stations, and unloading stations for hazardous goods.

Chapter VII

SUPPORT FOR RAILWAY BUSINESS ENTITIES IN CASES OF TRANSPORTATION TO SERVE SPECIAL TASKS AND SOCIAL SECURITY

Article 43. Recipients of support

1. Railway transportation enterprises.

2. Railway infrastructure business enterprises.

Article 44. Cases eligible for support

1. For railway transportation enterprises: Support for transportation costs in cases where transportation serves special tasks and social security.

2. For railway infrastructure business enterprises: Support for fees and prices related to the direct use of railway infrastructure for organizing train operations serving special transportation tasks and social security transportation.

Article 45. Principles of support

1. Ensuring reasonable cost compensation so that enterprises can balance income and expenses without considering profit.

2. Reasonable enterprise costs are determined and recorded in detail for each train trip on each route or section of railway when performing special tasks and social security tasks.

3. The support funds are directly paid by the State to railway transportation business enterprises.

4. Sources of support funds: Railway transportation business enterprises are supported with all reasonable costs (excluding interest) incurred by the enterprise to operate trains when performing special tasks and social security tasks for each train trip from the state budget.

Article 46. Procedures and formalities for supporting special tasks

1. Authority to assign special tasks:

a) The Minister of National Defense and the Minister of Public Security propose in writing to the Ministry of Transport and railway transportation business enterprises regarding the execution of defense and security tasks;

b) The Minister of Transport proposes railway transportation business enterprises to execute disaster prevention, mitigation, and rescue tasks;

c) The Minister of Health proposes the Ministry of Transport and railway business enterprises to execute disease prevention, mitigation, and aftermath handling tasks;

d) The Chairpersons of provincial and centrally-administered municipal People's Committees, political-social organizations, and other competent state agencies propose in writing to the Ministry of Transport and railway transportation business enterprises to execute other special tasks.

2. Execution of special tasks: Railway transportation business enterprises, upon receiving requests from competent state management agencies as stipulated in Clause 1 of this Article, must develop plans to organize implementation and estimate costs (excluding interest), submit them to the Ministry of Transport for approval and to the requesting agency.

3. Settlement of costs for special task support:

a) Railway transportation business enterprises are responsible for preparing final reports on costs incurred for each special task and submitting them to the Ministry of Transport. The Ministry of Transport will lead and coordinate with competent state management agencies as stipulated in Clause 1 of this Article to review the final reports on costs incurred for special task transportation by railway transportation business enterprises and send a document to the Ministry of Finance as the basis for settlement with the state budget;

b) Railway transportation business enterprises must exclude cases already settled by the requesting party when executing special tasks;

c) Settlement documents include: Official requests or proposals from competent state agencies as stipulated in Clause 1 of this Article; plans developed by railway transportation business enterprises to organize implementation of special tasks and estimated costs; final reports on costs incurred prepared by railway transportation business enterprises.

4. The Minister of Transport shall provide detailed guidance on procedures, settlement documents, and formalities for supporting special transportation tasks.

Article 47. Procedures and formalities for supporting the implementation of social welfare tasks

1. Formalities for approving the plan for running social welfare trains:

a) Before September 30 each year, railway transport enterprises shall prepare the proposed plan for running social welfare trains for the following year and submit it to the Ministry of Transport, People's Committees of centrally governed cities and provinces where railways pass through, and railway infrastructure business enterprises. The contents of the plan for running social welfare trains are stipulated in Clause 2 of this Article;

b) Based on the proposed plan of railway transport enterprises, People's Committees of centrally governed cities and provinces where railways pass through shall provide their comments in writing to the Ministry of Transport, railway infrastructure business enterprises, and railway transport enterprises before November 15 each year for consolidation;

c) The Ministry of Transport shall take the lead in reviewing, approving, and assigning the plan for running social welfare trains to railway transport enterprises before December 15 each year.

2. Contents of the plan for running social welfare trains include:

a) Number of train teams and composition of social welfare train groups;

b) Budgeted revenue, expenses, and revenue-expenditure difference for each social welfare train mark annually;

c) Summary of revenue and expenditure differences according to the railway transport enterprise's annual social welfare train operation plan.

3. Implementation of the plan for running social welfare trains:

a) Railway transport enterprises shall organize the implementation based on the approved plan for running social welfare trains by the Ministry of Transport;

In case there is a change in the plan for running social welfare trains already approved by the Ministry of Transport, railway transport enterprises shall submit a request to the Ministry of Transport to adjust the plan before implementation;

b) Quarterly, railway transport enterprises shall be responsible for compiling and reporting the results of implementing the assigned social welfare train running tasks to the Ministry of Transport.

4. Settlement and finalization of funds for implementing social welfare tasks:

a) Railway transport enterprises shall be responsible for preparing the final report on the costs incurred for each social welfare task and submitting it to the Ministry of Transport. The Ministry of Transport shall review the final report on the costs incurred for railway transportation services for social welfare tasks of railway transport enterprises and send a letter to the Ministry of Finance so that the Ministry of Finance can report to the Prime Minister before making a decision to support the enterprise;

b) Settlement and finalization documents include: Decision on assigning the plan for implementing social welfare tasks by the Ministry of Transport; final report on costs incurred prepared by railway transport enterprises.

4. The Minister of Transport shall provide detailed guidance on procedures, settlement and finalization documents, and formalities for supporting prices in implementing social welfare transportation tasks.

Chapter VIII

IMPLEMENTATION

Article 48. Responsibilities of the Ministry of Transport

Annually, report to the Government on the use of the budget and results of handling and rectifying national railway crossings not in compliance with the provisions of the Railway Law and dangerous locations for railway traffic accidents on national railways as stipulated in this Decree.

Article 49. Responsibilities of the Ministry of Public Security

Direct subordinate agencies, units, provincial and municipal police forces to arrange personnel to participate in inter-sectoral working groups at local levels in handling, narrowing, reducing, and eliminating unauthorized pathways according to the provisions of this Decree.

Article 50. Responsibilities of the Ministry of Planning and Investment

Take the lead in coordinating with the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Transport to compile medium-term and annual state budget investment plans for public works in accordance with regulations to submit to the Government for implementing the narrowing, reduction, and elimination of non-compliant railway crossings as stipulated in this Decree.

Article 51. Responsibilities of the Ministry of Finance

1. Allocate annual state budget funds to implement the narrowing, reduction, and elimination of unauthorized pathways and non-compliant railway crossings in accordance with the Railway Law, in line with the schedule specified in this Decree.

2. Allocate state budget funds to support railway enterprises in cases of transportation serving special missions and social welfare transportation as prescribed in this Decree.

Article 52. Responsibilities of Provincial People's Committees

1. Take the lead and coordinate with the Ministry of Transport in directing the establishment of files for existing unauthorized pathways on national railways in accordance with the provisions of this Decree and ensuring traffic safety at intersections between roads and railways on national railways.

2. Specify detailed management and elimination procedures for unauthorized pathways crossing railways as provided in Chapter II of this Decree.

3. The Chairman of the People's Committee of provinces where railways pass through shall be responsible for any newly occurring unauthorized pathways across national railways.

4. Annually, coordinate with the Ministry of Transport to report to the Government on the use of the budget and results of narrowing, reducing, and eliminating unauthorized pathways and dangerous locations for railway accidents on national railways as stipulated in this Decree.

Article 53. Responsibilities of railway infrastructure operating enterprises

1. Lead or coordinate in compiling statistics and managing lists of non-compliant railway crossings on national railways; dangerous locations for railway traffic safety; unauthorized pathways crossing railways on national railways.

2. Annually, have the responsibility to report to competent state authorities on the results of reducing and eliminating non-compliant railway crossings on national railways; dangerous locations for railway traffic safety; unauthorized pathways crossing railways on national railways to organize implementation in accordance with regulations.

Chapter IX

IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS

Article 54. Effective Date

1. This Decree takes effect from July 1, 2018.

2. Repeal Decree No. 14/2015/NĐ-CP dated February 13, 2015 detailing and guiding the implementation of certain Articles of the Railway Law.

Article 55. Responsibility for Implementation

Ministers, heads of ministerial-level agencies, heads of government agencies, Chairmen of provincial and centrally-administered city People's Committees, and heads of related agencies are responsible for enforcing this Decree./.