HCMC – The National Assembly has approved a landmark plan to invest VND1.7 quadrillion in a high-speed railway linking the country’s two biggest cities, Hanoi and HCMC.
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man signed Resolution 172/2024/QH15 allowing the execution of the project, which is slated for completion by 2035.
The 1,541-kilometer railway will connect Ngoc Hoi Station in Hanoi and Thu Thiem Station in HCMC, traversing 20 provinces and cities.
Designed to accommodate both passengers and freight, the line will include 23 passenger stations and five freight stations. Trains will run at speeds of up to 350 kilometers per hour, with a load capacity of 22.5 tons per axle, serving both civilian and defense purposes.
The state budget and other legal funding sources will finance the project, with a feasibility study scheduled to begin in 2025.
The railway will require 10,830 hectares of land and affect over 120,800 residents. Local governments, and Vietnam Electricity Group (EVN) will manage compensation, resettlement, and related sub-projects.
Vietnam Railway Corporation will handle operations and maintenance, as well as attract private investment to modernize the rail system and boost capacity.
The Government will closely monitor progress to ensure compliance with regulations. Additional stations may be added to meet local demand.
