Vietnam to Launch New High-Speed Rail Lines

According to the adjusted master plan, by 2030, Vietnam will have 11 new railway lines in addition to the existing 7, totaling approximately 3,207 km—an increase of 2 lines compared to previous plans.

Notably, the North-South high-speed railway has been updated in scale, naming, and investment roadmap, serving as the backbone of the national rail network. Additionally, the plan includes the Hanoi – Quang Ninh high-speed line, creating a vital connection between the capital and the Northeast coastal economic region.

Two lines, Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong and Ho Chi Minh City – Loc Ninh, have been adjusted in scale and investment timelines to meet the growing demand for freight and passenger transport. The Hanoi – Dong Dang, Hai Phong – Ha Long – Mong Cai, and Thap Cham – Da Lat lines are under review to ensure feasibility and infrastructure synchronization.

Seven other railway lines have been revised in scope and scale, including key economic corridor connections such as Yen Vien – Pha Lai – Ha Long – Cai Lan, the Eastern Hanoi Beltway, and the Da Nang – Kon Tum – Gia Lai – Dak Lak – Dak Nong – Binh Phuoc line, enhancing connectivity between the Central, Central Highlands, and Southeast regions.

In terms of cross-border connectivity, Vietnam will expand international transport corridors with the Hai Phong – Ha Long – Mong Cai line connecting to China via the Mong Cai border gate, and the Ho Chi Minh City – Tay Ninh – Moc Bai line linking to Cambodia. The Vung Ang – Mu Gia and My Thuy – Dong Ha – Lao Bao lines will continue to serve as vital links to Laos.

Decision 2404 also reclassifies the Thu Thiem – Long Thanh line as an urban railway, integrating it into local planning by Ho Chi Minh City and Dong Nai. The An Binh – Saigon (Hoa Hung) – Tan Kien line has been added to enhance connectivity in the Southern hub.

Notably, Hanoi will establish a 250-hectare railway industrial complex in Chuyen My and Ung Hoa, laying the foundation for modern railway technology and supporting industries.

In Ho Chi Minh City, An Binh Station will serve as the terminus of the Hanoi – Ho Chi Minh City line and the starting point of the Bien Hoa – Vung Tau line, while also acting as a key interchange for the North-South high-speed line via Trang Bom – Cam My.

In Da Nang, plans include relocating the central station outside the city center by 2030 to alleviate traffic pressure and free up land for urban development.

The government prioritizes investment in the North-South high-speed railway, the Lao Cai – Hanoi – Hai Phong line, and the Bien Hoa – Vung Tau line, while also developing connections to seaports, airports, and the Hanoi – Ho Chi Minh City hubs.

The total land requirement for railway development by 2030 is nearly 21,887 hectares, with a total investment of approximately 1,540 trillion VND, sourced from the state budget, non-budget funds, and other legal channels.