Vietnam’s National Assembly has greenlit the construction of a high-speed railway connecting Hanoi in the north to Ho Chi Minh City in the south, a project estimated to cost $67 billion, CNN reports.
The ambitious undertaking will drastically reduce travel time between the country’s two major cities.
The 957-mile line will see trains traveling at speeds up to 217 mph, slashing the current 30-hour journey to a mere five hours. The project, which will include 23 passenger stations and five freight stations across 20 provinces and cities, is slated to begin construction in 2027, with the first trains anticipated to be operational by 2035.
Deputy Minister of Transport Nguyen Danh Huy emphasized the project’s significance, stating that it addresses burgeoning transportation needs and facilitates Vietnam’s economic growth. Numerous studies cited by the ministry highlighted the urgent need for faster north-south transportation options.
The high-speed rail line will not only transport passengers but also freight, and will additionally serve defense purposes, according to state media. While Vietnam intends to prioritize domestic funding, the government may explore affordable, non-restrictive foreign loans to supplement the project.
The ambitious timeline, however, raises concerns given Vietnam’s history of delays in major infrastructure projects. The government will need to ensure efficient project management to meet the 2035 target.
