The government's policy is to find the optimum and most economical alignment for the north-south high-speed rail link, which will allow a speed of 350 km/h.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at the meeting. Source: VGP

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh made the request at a Government meeting discussing the investment policy for the North-South railway express on July 11.

At the meeting, Chinh stressed the need for a "groundbreaking, innovative approach with a strategic vision" to complete 1,541 km of high-speed railway across 20 provinces and cities within 10 years, with a target completion date of 2035.

"To achieve this goal, we need to research the most favorable and economical alignment and consider a design speed of around 350 km/h for approval by the competent authorities," he said.

Currently, the North-South transportation consists of three highways along with sea, rail, and air routes. The Prime Minister has asked to study the construction of a high-speed railway primarily for passenger transport, with the possibility of fast freight transport.

These transportation routes could also be used for national defense and security purposes if needed. The existing rail line will be upgraded for freight transport.

The Prime Minister emphasized the need for a thorough assessment of the total investment, taking into account Vietnam's terrain and geology; the potential for capital recovery; and the evaluation of economic, social, financial, transport, and logistics efficiency. He also suggested exploring funding mechanisms from central to local levels, which could be loans, bond issuance, or corporate capital.

The Politburo aims to complete the approval of the investment policy for the North-South high-speed railway investment policy by 2025 and to begin construction before 2030. The Hanoi - Vinh and Ho Chi Minh City - Nha Trang sections will be built first, between 2026-2030, and the entire line will be completed by 2045.

At the end of 2023, the Ministry of Transport consulted other government agencies on three scenarios regarding the speed of the North-South high-speed rail. Two scenarios suggested a design speed of 350 km/h, and one proposed 200-250 km/h. The Ministry of Planning and Investment noted that there is currently no railway with a design speed of 350 km/h capable of mixed passenger and freight service.

After much debate, in March, the Ministry of Transport proposed a high-speed railway with a design speed of 350 km/h for passenger transport and, if necessary, freight transport. Specifically, the new railway will be double-tracked, with a gauge of 1,435 mm, a length of 1,545 km, a design speed of 350 km/h, a load capacity of 17 tons per axle, and will only operate passenger trains. The existing North-South railway will be upgraded for freight transport, tourism, and short-distance passenger travel. The total investment is approximately $67.32 billion.