Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha has requested the Ministry of Transport to continue consulting with domestic and foreign technical and economic experts on identifying the best investment plan for the North-South high-speed railway project.

Research should take into consideration technology, safety, speed, and scale, in line with Vietnam’s natural and economic conditions, he told the first meeting of the steering committee on the implementation of the North-South high-speed railway project and other key national rail routes, which was held last week.

It is also necessary to remain up-to-date on the latest advancements in science and technology, digital transformation, automation, AI, and IoT, he said.

Research should also make clear issues relating to investment, financial sources, technology transfer, and human resources training, according to Deputy Prime Minister Ha.

The North-South high-speed railway will stretch 1,545 km in length and have a speed limit of about 320 kph.

It will pass through 20 cities and provinces between Ngoc Hoi Station in Hanoi and Thu Thiem Station in Ho Chi Minh City.

Total investment is estimated at about $58.71 billion.

The project is expected to get underway before 2030 and be completed before 2045, under targets set by the Politburo.