Vietnam has given the green light for the construction of a high-speed railway that will link the capital city of Hanoi in the north to Ho Chi Minh city in the south. The estimated cost of this ambitious project is $67 billion. The proposed railway line will cover a distance of 1,541 kilometers (957 miles) and is expected to significantly reduce travel time between the two major cities.
The high-speed train is projected to operate at speeds of up to 350 kilometers per hour (217 mph), cutting down the current 30-hour journey to just five hours. The decision to move forward with this massive infrastructure undertaking was made by Vietnam's National Assembly, signaling a significant step towards enhancing the country's transportation network.
Construction of the high-speed railway is slated to commence in 2027, with the aim of having the first trains operational by 2035. The project will involve the creation of 23 passenger stations and five freight stations along the route, passing through 20 provinces and cities.
In addition to facilitating passenger travel, the new railway will also serve as a vital transportation link for the movement of goods and will have strategic implications for defense purposes, as reported by state media. Deputy Minister of Transport Nguyen Danh Huy emphasized that the initiative is a response to the escalating transportation demands in the region, with various studies highlighting the necessity for faster transport options along the north-south corridor.
The development of this high-speed railway is seen as a crucial step in restructuring the country's transport infrastructure and is envisioned as a catalyst for propelling Vietnam into a new phase of economic growth. While domestic funding will be prioritized for the project, the government is open to considering foreign loans that are financially viable and not overly restrictive.
