Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has requested that the high-speed railway project, one of the country’s major infrastructure projects, begin by the end of 2026. This request was a critical decision to ensure the rapid progress of the project. According to the government, the tender process will be concluded this month and the National Assembly will review the project next month. All these developments indicate that railway construction in Vietnam will begin a year ahead of schedule.
Vietnam High Speed Rail Project: Strengthening National Connections
Last November, the Vietnamese National Assembly approved this major project, allocating a budget of around $67 billion. The project will be built on a 1.541-kilometer route between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, connecting 20 different regions. The railway is designed to be capable of speeds of up to 350 kilometers per hour, making transportation faster and more efficient. This major project will also feature 23 passenger stations and five freight centers along the way.
The Vietnamese government believes that the railway system will greatly contribute to the country's transportation infrastructure. This project will both increase the ease of transportation for local people and support the country's economic growth. Vietnam also aims to strengthen its regional connections with this project.
Vietnam's Other Railway Projects and International Connections
Vietnam’s rail projects are not limited to high-speed rail. The country plans to launch a railway between Lao Cai, Hanoi and Lang Son in December. This line is expected to increase connections to provinces close to the Chinese border. Negotiations will also begin with China next month for the Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong railway line, and a loan agreement to expand northern links is expected to be signed by November.
Vietnam's Infrastructure Expansion Efforts and Future Plans
Vietnam is also expected to focus on metro expansion plans in major cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The government is pressuring city governments to secure loans for these projects and secure new routes. These efforts will strengthen cities’ infrastructure and make transportation networks more efficient.
Vietnam's Bold Steps in the Transportation Sector
Vietnam’s North-South railway project stands out as one of the most daring transportation projects of this decade. It will shorten travel times between major cities and make trade more efficient. In addition, these projects will contribute greatly to Vietnam’s economic development and strengthen regional ties. Experts say these railway projects have the potential to accelerate development and make Vietnam a regional transportation hub.
Vietnam aims to accelerate its economic growth as well as strengthen its transportation infrastructure with high-speed railway projects. The high-speed railway, which will start in 2026, will transform local transportation and strengthen regional connections. It is certain that Vietnam will consolidate its place in the global transportation market and take an important step in economic development with this project.
