The North-South Express Railway Project is expected to be approved by the government by 2025.

High-speed train in Germany. Photo: Hoa Thang/The Hanoi Times

The move was part of a decision signed by Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha on measures to implement the national railway plan for 2021-2030, with a vision for 2050.

In addition to the North-South Express Railway, the government plans to invest in several new railway lines, including Ho Chi Minh City - Can Tho, Bien Hoa - Vung Tau, Cai Mep - Thi Vai, Thu Thiem - Long Thanh, Hanoi - Hai Phong with connection to Lach Huyen Port; a railway line connecting Lao Cai Station with Ha Khau Bac Station to China and other countries; and Yen Vien - Pha Lai - Ha Long - Cai Lan.

The Ministry of Transport has recently authorized the Hanoi People's Committee to study the Yen Vien - Ngoc Hoi section of the Light Rail Project No.1. The Ministry is also coordinating with Hanoi to determine the alignment of the line and the eastern ring railway.

The state aims to mobilize significant resources for developing, modernizing, and maintaining the national railway infrastructure, with nearly VND16 trillion (US$680 million) of public investment for railways in 2021-2025. In 2026-2030, an estimated VND224 trillion (US$9.53 billion) will be needed for railway development, including both public and private sources.

The total land demand for railway construction by 2050 is estimated at 25,800 hectares.

In early March, Politburo set a target of completing and approving the investment policy for the North-South Express Railway project and starting construction before 2030.

As part of the process, the government will submit a proposal to the National Assembly for approval of the investment policy of the North-South Express Railway Project during the 2021-2026 term.

The pre-feasibility study report for the North-South Express Railway project was submitted to the government in February 2019 and is currently under review by the State Appraisal Council.

The project spans 20 provinces, with a double track and a gauge of 1,435 mm, a total length of 1,545 km, and a maximum operating speed of around 320 km/h. The estimated total investment for the entire project is approximately $58.71 billion.