The Ministry of Construction has announced its support for a proposal from  voters  in the Mekong Delta province of Can Tho for accelerating the projected high-speed railway project that connects Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) with Can Tho.

The ministry’s response came after repeated requests from Can Tho constituents to expedite the project, which is seen as vital for the socio-economic development of the entire Mekong Delta.

In its official reply, the ministry emphasized the need for the development of connecting lines to maximize the investment efficiency of the high-speed railway.

Under Resolution No. 172/2024/QH15, the National Assembly approved the investment policy for the North-South high-speed railway which connects Hanoi with Ho Chi Minh City. Construction on the railway is scheduled to begin in 2027, with a targeted completion date of 2035.

The HCMC-Can Tho railway is a key component of Vietnam's national railway network plan for the 2021-2030 period, with a vision toward 2050. The planned route will span approximately 174 km. According to the official roadmap, research and investment for the project are slated to begin before 2030.

The ministry stated that it is currently preparing a pre-feasibility study for the HCMC-Can Tho line. The report will be submitted to competent authorities to secure investment policy approval, with the goal of having the line completed and operational concurrently with the national North-South high-speed railway.

The HCMC-Can Tho route will pass through HCMC and the provinces of Tay Ninh, Dong Thap, and Vinh Long before reaching Can Tho. The total investment is projected to be approximately $7 billion.