North–South high-speed railway: The National Assembly votes to pass the Resolution on the investment policy for the North–South high-speed railway project at its 8th session, on November 30, 2024. (Source: VGP)

According to the resolution, the high-speed railway will stretch approximately 1,541 kilometers, connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, with a design speed of up to 350 km/h. The total investment is estimated at over 67 billion USD, underscoring the project's immense scale and strategic importance in Vietnam’s national development strategy.

More than just a major transportation work, the North–South high-speed railway stands as a symbol of the Party and State’s determination to unlock the full potential of the North–South economic corridor. It also aims to enhance connectivity with East–West corridors and neighboring countries, creating momentum for international integration, sustainable development, and environmental protection.

Lessons from Pioneering Countries

Globally, high-speed railways have proven to be a vital tool for driving economic growth, improving quality of life, and enhancing national competitiveness. Advanced nations such as Germany, France, Japan, and China have all made high-speed rail the backbone of their modern infrastructure systems.

North–South high-speed railway: France was the first country in Europe to implement the PPP (public-private partnership) model in high-speed railway investment. (Source: Franceinfo)

In Germany, the Intercity-Express (ICE) network spans over 1,650 kilometers, making it one of the first high-speed rail systems in Europe. Rather than maximizing speed, Germany focused on optimizing schedules and minimizing transfer times. Most of the investment comes from public funds, including federal and local budgets, along with EU support.

Meanwhile, private transport companies invest in rolling stock. This model results in an efficient system that fosters regional development, urban–rural connectivity, and boosts real estate and commercial infrastructure along the route.

China, though a latecomer, has made a remarkable leap and now owns the world’s longest high-speed rail network, with over 42,000 kilometers. Its success stems from selective technology importation paired with domestic innovation.

China has enforced technology transfer clauses in international contracts, built its own standards, and heavily invested in local R&D and production. It integrated technologies such as cloud computing, IoT, big data, AI, Building Information Modeling (BIM), and the Beidou navigation system to create a smart rail ecosystem.

France pioneered the PPP model in high-speed railway investment in Europe. Between 2010 and 2012, France implemented four projects totaling over 620 km, with investments amounting to 15 billion EUR, mostly from the private sector.

A transparent legal framework for PPPs enabled businesses to properly assess risks and foster long-term cooperation. France used both partnership and concession models to expand its railway network, improve regional connectivity, and mobilize non-budgetary resources.

North–South high-speed railway: Shinkansen high-speed railway in Japan. (Source: Nippon)

Japan was the first country in the world to operate a high-speed railway. Since the Shinkansen began operations in 1964, Japan has built a network nearly 3,000 km long, connecting major cities and population centers nationwide.

Shinkansen is renowned for its unparalleled punctuality and world-leading safety standards. All lines are grade-separated, and a modern control system manages train spacing. This has not only shortened travel time but also stimulated tourism, services, and economic revival in underdeveloped regions.

More than just a railway

International experience confirms that high-speed rail is a strategic choice for developing countries to upgrade infrastructure, improve transport capacity, and accelerate economic growth. For Vietnam, facing rapid urbanization, growing regional connectivity needs, and high logistics costs, investing in a modern railway system is both urgent and essential.

North–South high-speed railway: Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Head of the Steering Committee for key national railway projects, chairs the third virtual meeting of the Committee on July 9, 2025. (Source: VGP)

The North–South high-speed railway project, with over 1,500 km of tracks, presents a sustainable development solution. Beyond reducing travel time, cutting emissions, and protecting the environment, it can create millions of jobs, stimulate local industry, reshape development spaces, and enhance living standards.

Resolution No. 172/2024/QH15, passed by the National Assembly in November 2024, lays a solid legal foundation for implementation. The goal is to build a modern, synchronized high-speed railway line that meets passenger transport demands, boosts socio-economic development, maximizes the North–South corridor's potential, and effectively connects with East–West routes and regional networks.

Simultaneously, the Politburo has issued key resolutions such as Resolution No. 57-NQ/TW on breakthroughs in science–technology and digital transformation, and Resolution No. 68-NQ/TW on developing the private sector economy. These strategic directions aim to remove institutional barriers, promote innovation, and mobilize private capital for large-scale infrastructure projects like high-speed rail.

Comprehensive solutions to actualize the vision

For the North–South high-speed railway to operate efficiently and bring real national benefits, a set of comprehensive and synchronized solutions is needed.

First is to develop a long-term national railway strategy, ensuring compatibility with the existing railway system. This will maximize operating efficiency and minimize redundant investment costs.

North–South high-speed railway: Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Tran Sy Thanh chairs a meeting with the Steering Committee on land clearance for the Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong railway construction project and the North–South high-speed railway project section passing through Hanoi. (Source: Tuoi Tre)

Second is to select strategic investors through transparent bidding, with requirements for technology transfer. Simultaneously, localize the supply chain in stages—such as train carriages, tracks, control systems, and engineer training—to enhance technological self-sufficiency.

Third is to leverage the private sector not just financially, but also in design, construction, and operations. Effective public–private collaboration reduces fiscal pressure and enhances project flexibility.

Fourth is to invest in high-quality human resources. Encourage partnerships between domestic universities, research institutes, and international partners to train engineers and managers suited to the high-tech demands of the railway industry.

Fifth is to integrate digital technologies like AI, big data, smart sensors, and GIS into planning, construction, operation, and maintenance. These tools will help increase accuracy, cut costs, and improve safety.

Sixth is to ensure multimodal connectivity by linking high-speed rail with roadways, waterways, and air transport, while aligning with urban planning, industrial zones, and seaports to optimize logistics and passenger flows.

The high-speed railway is not merely a major transport infrastructure project. It serves as a catalyst for Vietnam to transform its growth model, improve quality of life, promote balanced regional development, and gradually fulfill the aspiration of becoming a developed nation.

The success of the project depends not only on financial investment but also on strategic thinking, effective implementation, and the ability to mobilize the full strength of all social resources. Vietnam is standing at a golden moment for breakthrough, and the North–South high-speed railway is the backbone route that will unlock new development momentum for the country in the 21st century.