Hyundai shows interest in North-South Express Railway

Hyundai are looking at large-scale transport infrastructure projects in Vietnam, including the North-South Express Railway (Illustration image)

On May 30, vice chairman of Hyundai Group Chung Jin Hae joined a working session with leaders of the Ministry of Transport. The representative of Hyundai expressed interest in developing large-scale transport infrastructure projects in Vietnam, including the North-South Express Railway, where, along with comprehensive solutions, Hyundai also wants to transfer technology and train human resources for local partners.

Regarding the method to mobilise the capital for this public-private partnership (PPP) project, Hyundai recommended that the governments of both countries get involved to attract financial investors more easily and play a key role in site clearance.

In November 2018, a group of state-owned consultancy companies including Transport Engineering Design Incorporation (TEDI), Transport Engineering Design Incorporated South (TEDIS) and Transport Investment and Construction Consultant Company (TRICC) suggested building a rail route of 1,545 kilometres running through 20 cities and provinces.

They said that 60 per cent of the tracks will be on viaducts, 10 per cent underground, and 30 per cent on the surface. The route will have double standard-gauge tracks of 1,435-mm, 24 stations, five depots, and 42 maintenance facilities.

The route will be divided into three sections for separate investment and construction. The sections running from Hanoi to Nghe An province’s Vinh city (282.65km) and from Khanh Hoa province’s Nha Trang city to Ho Chi Minh City (362.15km) are planned to be constructed in the first phase, which is due to be finished by 2030.

Meanwhile, the section connecting Vinh city and Nha Trang city will be put into operation during 2030-2040 or 2045.

The construction is recommended to be made based on public investment or PPP modes.

At first, the electric multiple unit (EMU) train will run at a speed of 200 kilometres per hour, and 320 kilometres per hour later.