Vietnam Urban Railways Development
Vietnam is accelerating the development of urban railway system as a strategic response to traffic congestion and air pollution in major cities. On February 19, 2025, the Vietnamese National Assembly passed Resolution No. 188/2025/QH15, introducing pilot policies to accelerate urban railway development in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. This resolution aims to streamline investment procedures, enhance funding mechanisms, promote transit-oriented development (TOD), while granting Ho Chi Minh City special implementation powers to fast-track urban transit projects.
Urban Railway Development Goal
By 2035, Hanoi aims to construct 10 railway lines with a combined length of approximately 400 kilometers, requiring an estimated investment of USD 21 billion. By 2045, the city plans to add another five lines totaling 200 kilometers, with an additional investment of USD 18 billion—bringing Hanoi’s urban rail network to over 600 kilometers in total. Similarly, Ho Chi Minh City plans to develop seven railway lines spanning 355 kilometers by 2035, with an investment of USD 40 billion. By 2045, three more lines totaling 155 kilometers will be added at a cost of USD 18 billion, increasing the city’s total rail length to 510 kilometers. In addition to these major lines in Ho Chi Minh City, proposals have been made for a 48-kilometer metro line between District 7 and Can Gio (valued at USD 4 billion, led by Vingroup), and a 42-kilometer line connecting Thu Thiem and Long Thanh (estimated at USD 3.5 billion). Vietnam encourages public-private partnerships (PPP) and foreign direct investment (FDI) to support this development.
Opportunities for U.S. Exporters
Vietnam has announced proposed large-scale investment in rail transportation to address urban congestion and environmental challenges. The proposed projects present significant opportunities for U.S. exporters to introduce innovative solutions and technologies in the following areas:
- System Design, Engineering, Construction, and Project Management
- Signaling, Train Control, and Communication
- Sustainable and Energy Efficiency Systems
- Smart Mobility Solutions and Digitalization: Smart Ticketing, Intelligent Transport Systems, Real time Passenger Information, A
AI applications for predictive maintenance and operational efficiency
- Transit-oriented Development (TOD) Planning and Design
- Public-Private Partnership (PPP) and Financing Advisory
For more information, please contact Nga Hoang, Commercial Specialist in Ho Chi Minh City, at Nga.Hoang@trade.gov or Thuy Nguyen, Commercial Specialist in Hanoi, at Thuy.Nguyen@trade.gov.