The Vietnamese government has proposed the construction of a high-speed rail (HSR) line from north to south at a speed of 350 km/h. The project is expected to be completed by 2035. The 1,541 km line, which passes through 20 towns and villages, is scheduled to be completed by 2035. The line will mainly be used for passenger transport but will also allow freight transport. The existing railway lines will continue to be used for freight transport and will be renovated. The government called for a careful examination of the overall investment costs, taking into account geological and geographical characteristics as well as social, economic and logistical effectiveness. Fundraising mechanisms are also supposed to be examined. The goal is to start construction work on the HSR line before 2030. The Hanoi – Vinh and Ho Chi Minh City – Nha Trang HSR lines are prioritised to start in the 2026-2030 period to be completed before 2045. In March 2024, the Ministry of Transport proposed to set the speed of the north-south HSR line at 350 km/h and prioritise passenger transport.
