Imagine traveling from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City in just five hours—a journey that currently takes over 30 hours by rail. This vision is set to become a reality as Vietnam’s National Assembly approved a monumental $67 billion high-speed railway project connecting the two major cities.
On Saturday, the parliament voted in favor of the ambitious plan to construct a 1,500-kilometer railway along the country’s north-south axis. The high-speed line aims to revolutionize transportation in Vietnam, significantly cutting travel times and boosting economic connectivity.
“The national assembly voted to approve a resolution on investment policies for the high-speed railway project on the North-South axis,” announced an official statement on the parliament’s website.
Construction of the railway is expected to commence in 2027, with the first trains projected to be operational by 2035. However, considering Vietnam’s history of delays in infrastructure projects, there is cautious optimism regarding the timeline.
The railway will pass through 20 provinces and cities, featuring 23 passenger stations and five freight stations. Designed to transport both passengers and goods, the railway will also serve defense purposes, highlighting its strategic importance for the nation.
This project is anticipated to significantly enhance Vietnam’s transportation infrastructure, promote regional development, and open new economic opportunities across the country.
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Vietnamese parliament approves $67 billion high-speed railway project
cgtn.com
