The Vietnamese parliament took a significant step by approving the construction of a high-speed railway line that will connect the capital, Hanoi, in the north of the country, with the southern metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon. The connection between these two cities is recognized as one of the busiest air routes in the world.
According to Luchtvaartnieuws, this ambitious project emerges as a viable alternative to air travel, considering that the route between the two cities is currently the fourth busiest in the world in terms of flights.
In 2023, approximately 11 million passengers traveled between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City by air, with more than 60 daily flights operated, including high-capacity aircraft. With a straight-line distance of 1,171 kilometers, the new railway line promises to transform travel dynamics in the country.
The new line will span over 1,500 kilometers and is expected to reduce train travel time between the two cities from the current 30 hours to approximately 5 hours. High-speed trains will operate at speeds of up to 350 kilometers per hour, significantly increasing transport efficiency in Vietnam, as reported by our associated media outlet, Aeroin.
This infrastructure project is considered the most ambitious in the country and is designed to boost the economy by strengthening connectivity between major regions. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2027, with the line’s completion planned for 2035. Additionally, the railway will include 23 stations across 20 cities and provinces, covering a broad geographic area.
However, the implementation of the project will not be without challenges. Most of the route will traverse difficult terrain, with 60% of the track consisting of bridges, 10% of tunnels, and the remaining 30% on flat ground.
