Vietnam's high-speed railway sections to break ground in 2027

By Viet Tuan October 5, 2024 | 04:00 pm PT

An illustration of the expected route of Vietnam's north-south high-speed railway running through Hanoi. Graphics by VnExpress/Dang Hieu

The two sections of Vietnam's north-south high-speed railway connected to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are slated to begin construction in late 2027, according to the Ministry of Transport.

During a Saturday meeting between government officials and various sectors, the transport ministry revealed that plans for investment in the high-speed rail project would be submitted to the National Assembly for approval this month. Over the next two years, the ministry will select consultants and conduct feasibility studies.

The Hanoi-Vinh and Nha Trang-HCMC sections will break ground in late 2027, and construction of the Vinh-Nha Trang segment is scheduled to start between 2028 and 2029. The entire 1,541-km north-south high-speed railway is expected to be completed by 2035.

The proposed railway, designed to support a speed of 350 kph, carries an estimated price tag of $67.34 billion, according to the transport ministry, which said funding will not rely on foreign loans.

The railway is set to connect Ngoc Hoi Station in Hanoi to Thu Thiem Station in HCMC, passing through 20 provinces and cities along the way. Ticket prices will be offered in three tiers, ranging from $0.044 to $0.18 per kilometer, depending on the service class.

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha suggested extending the line beyond its current endpoints to include the northern province of Quang Ninh, home to UNESCO heritage site Ha Long Bay, and the southernmost province of Ca Mau.