French firms eye Vietnam’s North-South high-speed railway project

A delegation of 15 major French companies and industrial groups has expressed interest in participating in Vietnam’s planned North-South high-speed railway project.

At a meeting with Vietnam’s Ministry of Construction on Thursday, the French businesses discussed potential cooperation opportunities in railway infrastructure development, with particular focus on the high-speed rail line linking Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Nguyen Tuong Van, Vietnam’s Deputy Minister of Construction, outlined the government’s long-term railway development strategy, which prioritizes upgrading existing rail infrastructure while gradually developing new lines under the country’s railway network master plan for 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050.

The centerpiece of that strategy is the North-South high-speed railway, alongside rail links connecting international seaports, airports, and urban railway systems in major cities.

Vietnam aims to complete the high-speed rail corridor by 2050 as part of broader plans to strengthen connectivity between industrial zones, economic hubs, coastal regions, the Central Highlands and international transport networks, Van stated.

French Ambassador to Vietnam Olivier Brochet said France strongly supports Vietnam’s efforts to develop modern and lower-emission transportation systems, including the North-South high-speed railway and urban metro projects.

The diplomat said French companies expect to become long-term partners in helping Vietnam build a modern and sustainable railway ecosystem for future generations.

The French delegation also sought clarification on Vietnam’s infrastructure priorities, investment mechanisms, financing arrangements, and the potential scope for French participation in railway projects.

France is backing the Nhon-Hanoi Station metro line in Hanoi with the concessional loans of EUR514 million. The project is being developed with technologies and expertise from leading French corporations in the field, including Alstom, Thales, Colas Rail, and RATP Smart Systems.

Approved by the National Assembly on November 30, 2024, the North-South high-speed rail project is estimated to cost over VND1,700 trillion ($67 billion). It will stretch 1,541 kilometers from Ngoc Hoi Station (Hanoi) to Thu Thiem Station (Ho Chi Minh City), passing through 15 provinces and cities after recent administrative reorganizations.

Designed for speeds of up to 350 km/h, the dual-track railway will use standard gauge (1,435 mm) and accommodate 23 passenger stations and five freight stations.