HANOI, Vietnam – Vietnam has given the green light for the construction of a high-speed railway that will link the capital, Hanoi, in the north to Ho Chi Minh City in the south. This ambitious project comes with an estimated price tag of $67 billion. The proposed railway line will cover a distance of 1,541 kilometers (957 miles) between the two major cities, slashing travel time from the current 30 hours to just five hours.
The decision was made by Vietnam’s National Assembly, signaling a significant step towards improving the country’s transportation infrastructure. Construction is slated to commence in 2027, with the aim of having the first trains up and running by 2035. Despite previous delays in infrastructure projects, there is optimism surrounding the potential impact of this high-speed railway.
The high-speed train is expected to pass through 20 provinces and cities, with 23 passenger stations and five freight stations planned along the route. The railway will not only cater to the transportation needs of people and goods, but will also serve defense purposes, according to state media reports. Deputy Minister of Transport Nguyen Danh Huy emphasized that the project is a response to the increasing demand for faster transportation options along the north-south corridor.
Vietnam is looking to prioritize domestic funding for the railway project, with the possibility of considering foreign loans if they are deemed financially feasible and not overly restrictive. The state media has highlighted the significance of this project in reshaping the transportation landscape and propelling Vietnam into a new phase of development. The high-speed railway is envisioned to be a key component in restructuring transport networks and supporting the country’s economic growth.