Vietnam should consider 350-kph speed option for north-south train, PM announces

At a conference on initiatives to invest in the high-speed north-south railway, Chinh said 1,541 km worth of the high-speed railway, running through 20 localities, should be completed by 2035.

“To achieve the goal, we need to consider the most advantageous and shortest railways, and conduct research on the option of designed speed at around 350 kph,” he said.

Chinh said the high-speed railway would mainly transport passengers, with the added functionality of transporting goods. Existing railways will continue to be renovated and upgraded to transport goods, he added.

Also at the meeting, Chinh requested that the total investment cost be carefully considered, accounting for factors like geological and geographical features, as well as social, economic and logistical effectiveness. Mechanisms to mobilize funds should also be looked into, he noted.

The Politburo has said it aims to have the high-speed north-south railway to be completed before 2025, and for construction to begin before 2030.

Chinh added that the Hanoi-Vinh and HCMC-Nha Trang high-speed railways should be prioritized to begin construction within the 2026-2030 period, to be completed before 2045.