High-speed rail is mostly elevated, accurate to the minute, reducing emissions

According to the Ministry of Transport, investment in the North-South high-speed railway is necessary to develop a sustainable, modern, and friendly mode of transport, contributing to reducing traffic accidents, environmental pollution, and responding to climate change.

Citing research from the International Railway Association, the Ministry of Transport said that high-speed rail is a sustainable, safe, environmentally friendly, and resource-saving mode of transport. At the same time, because high-speed rail lines are mostly elevated, they effectively contribute to responding to climate change and limiting community separation.

"The high-speed railway using electric energy is the optimal solution to transform the mode of transport, contributing to achieving zero net emissions by 2050 as committed at the COP26 conference," informed a representative of the Ministry of Transport.

According to experts, electrification could significantly reduce the amount of carbon emitted by rail transport compared to the current use of diesel trains.

As countries around the world commit to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, electric rail is becoming the benchmark for sustainable transportation.

Furthermore, electric railways typically have higher efficiency, lower maintenance costs and reduced energy consumption in the long run.

Additionally, trains are quieter and offer a smoother ride, improving the overall passenger experience and potentially boosting ridership.

Importantly, electrification provides a platform for future expansion and innovation. As Vietnam’s economy grows and trade volumes increase, the electrified rail network will be able to accommodate larger volumes of traffic and higher speeds.

Sharing more, General Director of Vietnam Railway Corporation Hoang Gia Khanh said that railway transport is an important means of transport. Compared to other forms, railway has the advantage of transporting large quantities of goods, high efficiency, especially safety, and average cost. Forecasted demand for freight transport by 2050 on the North-South route is more than 18.2 million tons/year, with 122.7 million passengers.

High-speed rail transport, when formed, will play an important role, synchronously connecting 5 main modes: Road, railway, maritime, aviation, inland waterway, along the North-South axis.

“This not only takes advantage of the strengths of each method but also optimizes the transportation system, reduces logistics costs, and enhances the competitiveness of the economy. When the method of freight transport is flexible, fast, and cost-effective, it will contribute to socio-economic development,” Mr. Khanh said.

The strength of high-speed rail is its high level of safety, as in Japan. The Shinkansen was built in 1964, but after 60 years of operation, no accidents have occurred. High-speed rail systems in other countries are similar. Notably, Mr. Khanh said that travel time by high-speed rail is determined accurately to the minute.

“Thirdly, it is convenient and comfortable. Passengers on this train have spacious space and can move around easily on the train.

Besides, high-speed railway operates in the form of electrification, is environmentally friendly, so it will bring environmental efficiency and reduce emissions," said Mr. Khanh.

According to the railway network planning for the period 2021-2030 with a vision to 2050, the railway network consists of 25 routes with a total length of about 6,354 km, including 7 existing railway lines and 18 new railway lines. Of which, on the North-South corridor, there are 3 routes: Hanoi - Dong Dang, North-South high-speed railway, Ho Chi Minh City - Can Tho.

The high-speed railway line on the North-South axis is about 1,541km long, starting at Ngoc Hoi station (Hanoi), ending at Thu Thiem station (Ho Chi Minh City) and is on the list of important national projects, prioritized for investment before 2030.