The Government has directed ministries, sectors, and localities to finalize institutional frameworks and expedite key tasks to ensure the groundbreaking of the North-South high-speed railway project by December 31, 2026.

This directive is outlined in a newly-issued resolution, detailing the implementation plan for the National Assembly’s Resolution No. 172/2024/QH15, approving the project's investment policy.

The projected double-track railway is planned to span approximately 1,541 km from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, with a design speed of 350 km/h and an axle load of 22.5 tons.

The project will include 23 passenger stations and 5 freight stations, along with investment in vehicles and equipment for passenger transport. It will be designed to meet dual-use requirements for national defense and security, while also allowing for freight transport when needed.

As a national key project, the North-South high-speed railway is Vietnam’s first large-scale high-speed rail initiative, requiring advanced technology and rapid implementation. Given its urgency, the National Assembly approved the application of special mechanisms and policies to streamline the project's development.

In terms of transit-oriented development (TOD), the Government has urged localities to collaborate with the Ministry of Construction to review and adjust urban planning around high-speed railway stations. This includes modifying planning indicators, architectural designs, technical and social infrastructure, if necessary, to support land fund exploitation projects aligned with TOD principles.

Additionally, local authorities are tasked with developing and approving TOD-based land fund projects, allocating budget resources for compensation, resettlement, and land fund creation for auction, to facilitate sustainable urban development around railway hubs.