Illustrative image of Vietnam's future high-speed railway using Chat GPT application.

According to a pre-feasibility study report, the Ministry of Transport proposes to invest in a high-speed railway with a design speed of 350 km/h; a total length of 1,541 km; double tracks, gauge of 1,435 mm; and a total investment of approximately 67.34 billion USD.

The electrified railway will include 23 passenger stations, as well as five freight ones connected to key cargo hubs, starting from Ngoc Hoi station in Hanoi, passing through 20 provinces and cities, and ending at Thu Thiem station in Ho Chi Minh City.

Additionally, according to consultants' calculations, on the Hanoi – Ho Chi Minh City route, with a speed of 350 km/h, the railway is expected to attract about 12.5% more passengers compared to that with a speed of 250 km/h, while the investment cost for 350 km/h is approximately 8-9% higher than for 250 km/h.

Regarding the implementation timeline, the ministry aims to present the investment policy to the legislature in October 2024. In 2025-2026, there will be a bidding process to select international consultants, along with surveys and the preparation of the pre-feasibility study report. By the end of 2027, land clearance will commence, followed by the bidding for contractors and the groundbreaking of the component projects for the Hanoi – Vinh and Nha Trang – Ho Chi Minh City sections. Subsequently, construction of the Vinh – Nha Trang section is planned to begin in 2028-2029, with the goal of completing the entire route by 2035.

According to the Politburo, the project aims to meet the growing transport demand, contributing to the optimal and sustainable restructuring of the transport market along the North-South corridor. It aligns with the Party’s policies and orientations for transport infrastructure investment, as outlined in the national development strategy under the 13th National Party Congress’s Resolution and national planning schemes.

The high-speed railway is expected to foster regional and inter-regional connectivity, generate economic spillover effects and open up new economic development spaces. Additionally, it will help restructure urban areas and economic sectors, thereby enhancing the economy's competitiveness.

Moreover, the project is poised to drive the growth of the railway and supporting industries, promoting sustainable, modern, and eco-friendly modes of transport. This will help reduce traffic accidents, mitigate environmental pollution and adapt to climate change while ensuring national defence-security.