Hanoi–Quang Ninh high-speed rail project begins construction, expected to cut travel time to about 23 minutes

The Hanoi–Quang Ninh high-speed rail line broke ground on April 12, 2026, with the goal of cutting travel time from more than two hours to about 23 minutes upon completion in 2028. The groundbreaking ceremony in Hanoi was attended by Prime Minister Le Minh Hung and other central and local leaders, along with former Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and representatives from relevant ministries, localities and enterprises.

Project overview and investment

The project is developed by VinSpeed, a unit of Vingroup. Total investment is over 147,000 billion dong (more than $5.6 billion). In addition, land clearance costs are estimated at about 10,270 billion dong and will be covered by the state budget.

The line will run for about 120 km through four provinces: Hanoi, Bac Ninh, Hai Phong and Quang Ninh. It will be built as a double-track, standard gauge 1,435 mm, and fully electrified. Maximum speed is set to reach 350 km/h, while the Hanoi segment is designed for up to 120 km/h.

Technology and route design

Train technology and operations systems will be supplied by Siemens Mobility of Germany. The trains are described as featuring advanced signaling and equipment regarded among the world’s leading systems, and the partner commits to transferring technology to Vietnam during operation.

The line starts at Co Loa station (in the Vietnam International Exhibition Center area, Hanoi) and ends at Ha Long station. It includes three transfer hubs: Gia Binh (Bac Ninh), Ninh Xa (Hai Phong) and Yen Tu (Quang Ninh), as well as a depot in Ha Long.

Timeline and expected travel time impact

Under the plan, the line will enter commercial operation in 2028. At that time, travel time between Hanoi and Quang Ninh is expected to be shortened by 5–7 times compared with today, to about 23 minutes.

Economic significance and implementation measures

Local leaders described the project as a strategic infrastructure initiative connecting inter-regional areas, particularly with the Northern Key Economic Region. They said it will not only enable faster travel but also create new development space, form economic corridors, strengthen regional linkages and raise competitiveness.

For Quang Ninh, direct high-speed rail connectivity to Hanoi is expected to help the province become an eastern growth pole of the region. The project is also expected to support high-quality tourism and services, attract investment and improve residents’ living standards.

Authorities said they will accelerate land clearance and resettlement and coordinate closely with the investor to ensure construction progress.

Statements from project stakeholders

Siemens Mobility’s representative pledged to provide safe, proven high-speed train technology and to deepen cooperation in assembly, maintenance and building a high-speed rail ecosystem in Vietnam.

VinSpeed said it will continue investing heavily in transport infrastructure to build a modern system to international standards, contributing to economic development and improving living standards.

Related project

Earlier, in December 2025, VinSpeed began the Ben Thanh–Can Gio rail project in Ho Chi Minh City, expected to be completed in Q4 2028. The Hanoi–Quang Ninh line is described as the second high-speed rail project undertaken by the company.

Source: Tu Kinh (According to Government Newspaper).