Vietnam’s National Assembly has approved a $67 billion high-speed railway project connecting Hanoi, the capital, to Ho Chi Minh City, the economic centre in the south. The project aims to revolutionise travel and trade along the 1,541-km (957-mile) route. The railway will enable trains to reach speeds of up to 350 km/h (217 mph), reducing travel time from the current 30 hours to just five. Construction is set to start in 2027, with operations planned for 2035. The project will pass through 20 provinces and cities and feature 23 passenger stations and five freight stations. While the Vietnamese government plans to fund most of the project domestically, it may seek international loans under favourable conditions. Major challenges include relocating 120,000 residents and removing parts of protected forests and rice fields.