The South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported that the Vietnamese National Assembly has approved the investment policy for the North-South high-speed railway project with an investment of US$67 billion. The railway system will stretch 1,541km, starting at Ngoc Hoi Station (Hanoi), ending at Thu Thiem Station (Ho Chi Minh City), and passing through 20 provinces and cities.
AP reported that the National Assembly requested a feasibility study report from 2025, striving to basically complete the project by 2035. The train is expected to run at a speed of 350km/h, shortening the current journey from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City from 30 hours to just 5 hours.
Yahoo wrote: "Vietnam makes groundbreaking decision to launch $67 billion infrastructure project, which is the foundation for Vietnam's leap into a new era of growth."
According to Travel and Tour World (TTW), Vietnam's high-speed railway project is expected to have far-reaching impacts on tourists and the tourism industry worldwide.
Firstly, TTW points out that this is a transformative leap in tourism. The introduction of efficient high-speed rail services has the potential to significantly divert passenger traffic from air to rail, providing a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative.
Second is the economic and tourism benefits. The railway project is not just about speed, but also about connectivity. By connecting major economic and tourism hubs with smaller cities and provinces, Vietnam will open up new growth opportunities in less visited areas. Improved rail infrastructure has the potential to make Vietnam a transport leader in Southeast Asia, attracting investment and tourism on an unprecedented scale.
Third is the global impact. With its strategic location in Southeast Asia, Vietnam serves as a gateway for travelers to explore the region. The efficiency and convenience of its railway system will make Vietnam a more attractive destination for international tourists.
Fourth is sustainability. In an age of growing environmental awareness, high-speed rail offers a greener alternative to domestic flights. Air travel, while fast, has a significant carbon footprint. Rail systems offer a sustainable mode of transport that is in line with global targets for reducing emissions in the travel industry.
Despite its potential, the high-speed rail project is not without its challenges, TTW pointed out. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2027 and is expected to be completed in 2035. This timeline highlights the scale and complexity of the project. Cost management, logistical hurdles, and potential delays are all factors that could affect the final outcome. However, if implemented as planned, the rail system will set the benchmark for infrastructure projects in the region.
Globally, the high-speed rail project will cement Vietnam’s reputation as a must-see destination and could inspire similar developments in other countries, TTW concluded. Rail networks in Europe and Japan have demonstrated the economic and tourism benefits of high-speed rail systems, and Vietnam’s ambitious plans could serve as a model for emerging markets.
