The National Assembly of Vietnam has reviewed a proposal for a USD67.34 billion North-South high-speed railway (HSR), designed to span 1,541 km and feature 23 passenger and five freight stations. The electrified, dual-track railway aims to support socio-economic development, bolster national security, and shift the transportation market share along this corridor. Project preparations are expected to conclude by 2026, with groundbreaking planned for 2027 and completion by 2035.
The railway, which will run at speeds up to 350 km/hr, requires partial state funding for maintenance during its initial years. Expected to break even in about 34 years, the project aligns with Vietnam’s 2021-2030 railway master plan. Legislators emphasised the need for optimal integration with current transport infrastructure, including urban and international networks.