With a new $67B high-speed railway, Vietnam is set to transform travel, enhance sustainability, and attract global investments.
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| Vietnam approves a $67B high-speed rail project to connect Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, slashing travel time and boosting eco-friendly transport. Image Courtesy: 12go Asia |
Hanoi, Vietnam - December 15, 2024:
In a landmark move, Vietnam's National Assembly has approved a $67 billion investment to build a high-speed rail system that aims to revolutionize the nation’s transportation infrastructure. The ambitious project, which spans over 930 miles, will connect Hanoi in the north with Ho Chi Minh City in the south, bridging the nation’s capital and its economic hub.
Construction is set to begin in 2027, with the first trains expected to operate by 2035, according to reports from the Associated Press. The railway will traverse 20 provinces and cities, featuring 23 passenger stations and five freight stations. Trains on the line are designed to run at speeds of up to 217 miles per hour, cutting the current 30-hour journey between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to just five hours.
This project marks a major upgrade to Vietnam’s aging infrastructure, addressing a road network struggling to meet demand and an underdeveloped railway system. Enhanced public transportation options are expected to reduce high road transportation costs and provide eco-friendly alternatives, aligning with global efforts to cut carbon emissions.
High-speed rail is a sustainable mode of transport, offering significantly lower carbon emissions than cars and planes. For Vietnam, a country with densely populated coastal areas vulnerable to climate change, the shift to green transportation is vital. The new railway could also reduce the environmental impact of tire microplastics, which contribute heavily to global pollution.
Deputy Minister of Transport Nguyen Danh Huy highlighted the project’s transformative potential, stating, "This project is pivotal for restructuring transport shares and serves as a cornerstone for Vietnam's leap into a new era of growth."
Vietnam's investment in modernizing its infrastructure is expected to attract foreign investment and strengthen economic resilience in the face of climate challenges. The high-speed rail initiative signals a bold step forward for the Southeast Asian nation as it positions itself for sustainable growth in the 21st century.