Quang Ninh Province Approves Vinspeed’s Proposal for High-Speed Rail Link to Hanoi

QUANG NINH, Vietnam — Local authorities in Quang Ninh province have approved the preliminary route and construction plans for a high-speed railway connecting the region to Hanoi.

The project, proposed by Vinspeed High-Speed Rail Investment and Development JSC, spans approximately 120 kilometers and passes through Hanoi, Bac Ninh, Hai Phong, and Quang Ninh. The rail line is designed to reach top speeds of 350 km/h.

In Quang Ninh, the 39.3-kilometer segment will begin at the border with Hai Phong and terminate at the Ha Long Xanh station in the Tuan Chau ward. The province will host two stops: Yen Tu station and the Ha Long Xanh terminal.

Officials estimate the project will require the acquisition of roughly 277.5 hectares of land within Quang Ninh.

The railway will be developed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model with a total investment of approximately 147.370 trillion VND, a figure that does not include land clearance costs. Vinspeed will contribute 22.110 trillion VND toward the project and move to secure the remaining funds from other sources.

The high-speed line is scheduled to be completed and enter operation in 2028.

Quang Ninh’s provincial approval in principle for a new high-speed rail corridor represents a pivotal shift in Northern Vietnam’s infrastructure strategy, yet the project faces a daunting 2028 completion target that challenges the country’s historical track record for large-scale engineering delivery.

At the heart of the proposal is a high-stakes Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Under the current framework, the state will assume the costs of land clearance and site recovery, while Vinspeed—a subsidiary within the Vingroup ecosystem—is tasked with mobilizing upwards of 125 trillion VND (approximately $4.9 billion) in capital. This financing requirement will serve as a definitive litmus test for the appetite of domestic and international lenders, as well as the efficacy of Vietnam’s revised PPP legal framework in attracting private interest for capital-intensive transit projects.

If successful, the rail link would act as a powerful economic catalyst for the Hanoi-Hai Phong-Quang Ninh growth triangle, providing the high-capacity connectivity required to optimize regional logistics and tourism. Beyond its local impact, the project is being closely watched as a potential blueprint for the proposed North-South high-speed rail "mega-project" currently under national debate. However, significant policy hurdles remain. Authorities and investors have yet to provide clarity on critical issues regarding technology sourcing, long-term operational expertise, and the fiscal sustainability of the project over its entire lifecycle.

While this project has no direct bearing on the nail salon industry or the flow of remittances, it will significantly benefit the Vietnamese-American community during trips back home. For those traveling from hubs like Little Saigon to visit family, a modern high-speed rail link between Hanoi and Ha Long Bay will make transit much faster and more convenient, greatly enhancing the overall travel experience in Vietnam.