Under the revised plan, the Government plans to build two high-speed railway routes on the North-South Axis, including the North-South rail line from Ha Noi to Ho Chi Minh and another route linking Ha Noi and Quang Ninh province.

The capital city of Ha Noi and Quang Ninh are two major hubs of northern Viet Nam's Red River Delta and northeastern region, but the two areas are currently connected mainly by road, which is becoming increasingly congested despite significant investment. The existing rail line from Ha Noi to Quang Ninh's Ha Long is outdated, primarily used for freight, and unsuitable for high-quality passenger services.