Vietnam’s first inter-regional high-speed railway project kicks off
DNO - Vietnam has officially broken ground on its first inter-regional high-speed railway, marking a significant step forward in the country’s infrastructure modernisation and regional connectivity ambitions.
Landmark high-speed rail project
The project, with a total investment of over VND147 trillion (about US$5.6 billion), excluding site clearance costs, is developed by VinSpeed, a subsidiary of Vingroup.
The railway, scheduled for completion by the end of 2028, will span 120.2 km, passing through Ha Noi, Bac Ninh, Hai Phong and Quang Ninh in northern Vietnam.
The line is designed as a fully electrified, double-track system with a standard gauge of 1,435 mm, capable of speeds up to 350 kph, while sections in Ha Noi will operate at 120 kph.
It will run from Co Loa Station in Ha Noi to Ha Long Station in Quang Ninh, with intermediate stops at Gia Binh (Bac Ninh), Ninh Xa (Hai Phong) and Yen Tu (Quang Ninh). A maintenance depot will be located at the Ha Long terminus.
The project will require approximately 551 hectares of land, including 44 hectares in Ha Noi, 19 hectares in Bac Ninh, 210 hectares in Hai Phong, and 278 hectares in Quang Ninh.
The private investor, Vinspeed, will contribute about VND 22.11 trillion, while the remaining 85%, more than VND 125 trillion, will be mobilized from other sources.
The project is scheduled for completion in 2028.
Cutting travel time, boosting growth
Once operational, the railway is expected to dramatically cut travel time between Ha Noi and Quang Ninh from the current 2 - 2.5 hours by road to just 25 - 30 minutes.
This offers a faster and more efficient transport option for passengers and potentially boosting tourism and regional economic integration.
Addressing the recent groundbreaking ceremony, Nguyen Viet Quang, Vice Chairman and CEO of Vingroup, said the project reflects the group’s commitment to contributing to national infrastructure development, enhancing economic growth, and improving quality of life.
Germany’s Siemens Mobility, a strategic partner in the project, will provide high-speed rail technology.
Its global CEO Michael Peter pledged to deliver safe and efficient train systems while supporting technology transfer, local assembly, and maintenance capabilities in Vietnam.
As the first inter-regional high-speed railway in Vietnam, the line signals Vietnam’s broader push to modernize its transport network and align with global trends in sustainable, high-speed mobility.