The dual-gauge railway, with design speeds of 250 kilometers per hour and operational speeds of 180-225 kph, is required as rail only carries 6% of passengers and 1.4% of cargo on the north-south route, the planning ministry said.

A train in Europe that operates can run at over 200 kilometers per hour.

When completed it would be a key means of transport capable of carrying large volumes of cargo, connect major economic centers and boost growth, it said.

It suggested that the railroad be built under a public-private partnership and funded partly by auctioning lands near the 50 stations along the route.

The 250-kph option has been suggested by a consultancy consortium over a 350-kph option which can only transport passengers.

Though costing more to build, it would have a higher chance of recouping the investment thanks to cargo transport, the consortium comprising the University of Transport and Communications Consultancy and Construction, Germany’s Evo mc, Ove Arup & Partners Hong Kong, and Hung Phu Trading and Construction Consultant said.

They will respectively cost US$62.7-64.8 billion and $58.7 billion.

Since 2019 officials have been considering the transnational rail since roads and airports are becoming increasingly overloaded.

Cat Linh-Ha Dong metro line transports nearly 6 million passengers in over 9 months

The Cat Linh-Ha Dong urban metro line has transported nearly 6 million passengers during more than nine months of operation, according to Hanoi Metro One Member Limited Company (Hanoi Metro) – a State-owned enterprise specialising in the operation and maintenance of urban railway in Hanoi.

Number of passengers using Cat Linh-Ha Dong urban metrol line up 30 percent

The number of passengers using the Cat Linh-Ha Dong urban elevated rail line has surged by 30 percent compared to the previous months, according to Hanoi Metro One Member Limited Company (Hanoi Metro) – a State-owned enterprise specialising in the operation and maintenance of urban railway in Hanoi.

Ho Chi Minh City plans to start construction of Metro Line No. 2 this year

Ho Chi Minh City will begin construction of Metro Line No. 2 in 2022, according to the municipal Department of Transport.

Cat Linh – Ha Dong urban metro line inaugurated

Tuyến metro đô thị Cát Linh - Hà Đông, Hà Nội, chính thức được khánh thành vào ngày 13/1, sau hai tháng đưa vào khai thác.

Hanoi metro gets 1 millionth passengers with 2 months

The Cat Linh – Ha Dong metro line in Hanoi, Vietnam's first, carried its millionth passenger Thursday morning just two months since it became operational.

Source: VnExpress