Vietnam to Get New High-Speed Rail Lines Under Revised Master Plan

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha has signed a decision approving the adjustment to the Master Plan for the Railway Network for the period 2021-2030, with a vision toward 2050. Under the revised plan, Vietnam will introduce several new high-speed railway lines.

1. Key Changes to the Railway Network

1.1. High-Speed Priority & New Routes

• North-South High-Speed Railway: This line has been updated in terms of scale, name, and investment timeline, positioning it as the backbone of the national railway network.
• Hanoi - Quang Ninh High-Speed Line: A significant addition, creating a new vital connection axis between the Capital and the Northeastern coastal economic zone.
• Lao Cai - Hanoi - Hai Phong and Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) - Loc Ninh lines: The scale and investment roadmap for these routes have been adjusted to meet the increasing demand for both freight and passenger transport.

1.2. Regional Connectivity and Infrastructure Development

• Regional Links: Seven other existing lines will be modified in scope and scale, including key economic corridors such as Yen Vien - Pha Lai - Ha Long - Cai Lan, the Eastern Hanoi Ring Road, and the Da Nang - Kon Tum - Gia Lai - Dak Lak - Dak Nong - Binh Phuoc route, aimed at strengthening connectivity across the Central, Central Highlands, and Southeast regions.
• Thu Thiem - Long Thanh Line: This line is being converted into an urban railway line, with HCMC and Dong Nai provinces tasked with integrating it into their local planning.
• An Binh - Saigon (Hoa Hung) - Tan Kien Line: Added to enhance connectivity capacity in the Southern hub area.

1.3. Cross-Border Connections

Vietnam will expand its international transport corridors:

• Hai Phong - Ha Long - Mong Cai Line: Connecting to China via the Mong Cai border gate.
• HCMC - Tay Ninh - Moc Bai Line: Connecting to Cambodia.
• Vung Ang - Mu Gia and My Thuy - Dong Ha - Lao Bao Lines: Maintained as important links with Laos.

2. Developing Industrial and Urban Railway Hubs

The plan also focuses on developing specialized industrial hubs and adjusting urban railway infrastructure:

• Hanoi Railway Industry Complex: A 250-hectare railway industry complex will be established in the Chuyen My and Ung Hoa areas, creating a foundation for supporting industries and modern railway technology.
• HCMC Rail Hubs: An Binh station is planned to be the terminus for the Hanoi-HCMC line and the starting point for the Bien Hoa-Vung Tau line, also serving as a crucial junction for the North-South high-speed railway via Trang Bom - Cam My.
• Da Nang: The plan includes relocating the central station out of the inner city before 2030 to reduce traffic pressure and free up land for urban development.

3. Investment and Implementation Focus

In the upcoming period, the Government will prioritize investment in the North-South high-speed railway, along with the Lao Cai - Hanoi - Hai Phong and Bien Hoa - Vung Tau lines. Development of the network connecting seaports, airports, and the two major hubs of Hanoi and HCMC will also be prioritized.

The total land requirement for railway development by 2030 is nearly 21,887 hectares, with a total investment capital requirement of approximately 1.54 million billion VND (around $63 billion), to be mobilized from the state budget, non-budgetary sources, and other legal channels.