$67 billion high-speed rail mega-project: Ministry of Construction seeks international consultants.

The Ministry of Construction has begun surveying the international market to select a consulting firm to prepare a feasibility study report for the $67.34 billion North-South high-speed railway line.

The Ministry of Construction is accelerating preparations for the North-South high-speed railway project by seeking qualified international consulting firms. This is a crucial step in preparing the feasibility study report for this mega-infrastructure project, which is expected to have the largest total investment in Vietnam's history, reaching $67.34 billion.

International market survey for key consulting contract

On May 15th, the Ministry of Construction is scheduled to organize a Roadshow to survey the international market. The objective of this activity is to assess the level of interest and professional capacity of consulting organizations regarding package TV02 - preparing the feasibility study report for the North-South high-speed railway project.

At the event, the management agencies will provide comprehensive information on the scale, implementation direction, technical requirements, and contractor selection criteria. This move is seen as an important preparatory step for Vietnam to realize this vital transportation route, contributing to changing the face of the national infrastructure.

Vietnam is moving closer to the implementation of its high-speed rail network – a key national infrastructure project. (Illustrative image)

The core role of the Feasibility Study Report

According to experts, the feasibility study serves as the "backbone" of the project. This phase determines core technical factors including: selection of operating technology, determination of the optimal route, investment scale, and overall engineering design. Furthermore, it serves as the basis for evaluating financial efficiency and selecting the investment model between public investment or public-private partnership (PPP).

The government has directed that the procedures for selecting a consulting firm be completed in the second quarter of this year. Simultaneously, provinces and cities through which the route passes are required to proactively plan economic development along the corridor, in order to maximize the advantages of future connectivity.

Technical specifications and investment scale: 1.7 million billion VND

The North-South high-speed railway line is planned with a total length of approximately 1,541km, passing through 15 provinces and cities. The project uses double-track standards, a track gauge of 1,435mm, a maximum design speed of up to 350km/h, and an axle load of 22.5 tons.

The high-speed railway along the North-South axis is planned with a total length of approximately 1,541 km. (Illustrative image)

The planned infrastructure system includes 23 passenger stations and 5 cargo stations. The preliminary total investment is estimated at approximately VND 1,713,540 billion (equivalent to USD 67.34 billion), mobilized from the State budget and other legal sources of capital. According to the roadmap, the project will begin implementation in 2025 and aims for substantial completion by 2035.

Special mechanisms and new legal frameworks

To shorten the timeline, this mega-project applies 20 specific mechanisms and policies, focusing on decentralized management, mobilizing social resources, and developing the domestic railway industry. The National Assembly also issued Resolution No. 227/2025/QH15, allowing the addition of PPP and business investment forms for suitable components.

Simultaneously, the Railway Law No. 95/2025/QH15 was officially passed, creating a solid legal foundation for implementation. The high-speed railway line will not only shorten travel time but is also expected to reshape urban development, logistics, and industrial spaces in Vietnam for decades to come.

Note: Project information may change due to planning adjustments and official approval decisions from competent authorities.

Source: https://baolamdong.vn/sieu-du-an-duong-sat-toc-do-cao-67-ty-usd-bo-xay-dung-tim-tu-van-quoc-te-441602.html