The Vietnamese government is reviewing a proposal to extend the North-South high-speed railway to Can Tho, with a 174 km railway connecting the Mekong Delta city to Ho Chi Minh City.

This project aligns with Vietnam’s long-term transport strategy, aiming to enhance connectivity and economic development in the southern region.

The railway is part of the national railway network development plan for 2021-2030, with a vision extending to 2050. It is designed with a 1,435 mm track gauge and is scheduled for investment before 2030.

Can Tho voters advocate for high-speed rail expansion

Voters in Can Tho have urged the Ministry of Construction to ensure that the North-South high-speed railway integrates seamlessly with major cities, including Can Tho. Their request reflects the need for a well-connected transport infrastructure that links Vietnam’s economic hubs.

In response, the Ministry of Construction acknowledged the necessity of developing connecting railway lines to maximize the investment in the high-speed railway. The ministry emphasized that linking regional railways with the main North-South route would enhance transportation efficiency and economic growth.

The North-South high-speed railway, approved for investment by the National Assembly, will stretch from Ngoc Hoi Station in Hanoi to Thu Thiem Station in Ho Chi Minh City. The railway spans 1,541 km with a track gauge of 1,435 mm. Construction is set to begin in 2027, with completion targeted for 2035.

Currently, local governments along the proposed railway route have incorporated urban rail connections into their development plans. The planned Ho Chi Minh City–Can Tho railway is part of this broader strategy, ensuring that the high-speed railway effectively serves key regions.

The Ministry of Construction is now conducting a pre-feasibility study for the Ho Chi Minh City–Can Tho railway. The study will be submitted for approval, with the goal of completing construction in parallel with the North-South high-speed railway to enable synchronized operations.

This railway extension is expected to strengthen the Mekong Delta’s connection to Vietnam’s economic centers, improving trade, investment, and mobility for residents and businesses.

N. Huyen