Consultant companies suggested building a railway of more than 1,500 km running through 20 cities and provinces from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. The route will be divided into three sections for separate investment and construction.

If the project is approved by the National Assembly, construction is expected to begin in 2026 and be completed by 2050. The electric multiple unit (EMU) train will initially run at a speed of 200 km per hour, and is later expected to run at 320 km per hour.