Vietnam has officially approved an ambitious $67 billion high-speed railway project connecting Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, a critical step towards transforming its transportation infrastructure. The North-South high-speed railway will stretch 1,541 kilometers, significantly reducing travel time between the two major cities to approximately 5.5 hours, compared to the current 30-hour journey on conventional trains. This rail line will pass through 20 provinces, feature 23 passenger stations, and include freight facilities for economic integration.
The project, planned for completion by 2035, aims to enhance socio-economic development across Vietnam, boosting connectivity with economic hubs, seaports, and airports. Construction is set to begin in 2027, with work divided into phases. Initially, the Hanoi-Vinh and Nha Trang-Ho Chi Minh City segments will break ground.
Vietnam plans to finance the project primarily through domestic resources, avoiding reliance on foreign loans to maintain self-reliance. Funding will include government bonds, contributions from local governments, and manageable foreign partnerships with technology transfer requirements.
This massive infrastructure project faces challenges, such as site clearance and workforce training, which are expected to take several years. The government has emphasized the need for special policies to address these hurdles efficiently. The initiative reflects Vietnam’s drive to modernize its infrastructure while minimizing external dependencies.
