A Bullet Across Vietnam

Will Vietnam have its first bullet train?

You may recall our very informative yet slightly comical article last week outlining the various modes of transportation in Vietnam.  Bikes, mopeds, cyclos, buses, and even cow carts may be effective locally; however, there must be more time-saving and cost-effective modes of transportation across the country.

Though it has been years since I have taken U.S. history, I do remember one of the greatest driving forces for industrialization and modernization of America was the implementation of the railroad system.  In the same way that casino games like poker has a huge impact on places like Las Vegas, the railroad system revolutionised industry in the US as a whole.  The railroad system laid the infrastructure for extremely effective trading between states.  It was the railroad system that may have possibly enabled America to realize its manifest destiny.

What are the train systems in Vietnam like?

Vietnam has long realized the importance of such systems of transportation.

Over the last decade, Vietnam has expanded many routes between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, with many stops along the way to places like Hue and Danang.  With a little more than 55 dollars, you can ride the 2-3 days, 1,726 km journey from Hanoi to HCMC in a soft sleeper air conditioned cabin.  More economical options are available.

But this is too slow, what can I do?

For those who cannot afford to wait 2-3 days, the only current alternative is by airplane.  This may have been true until very recently, it seems.

Bloomberg reported on Thursday that Vietnam’s cabinet has approved the 55.9 billion dollar plan to adopt Japan’s ‘bullet-train’ technology.  The rail would connect Northern and Southern parts of Vietnam and constructions will commence sometime in 2012 and complete sometime in 2020.

As an aside, Japan was the first to introduce the high volume high speed train traveling in excess of 135 mph from Tokyo to Osaka.  Because of the train’s design and speed, it became known around the world as the ‘bullet-train’. At this speed, the 2-3 day journey on traditional trains is a thing of the past.

For 55 billion dollars, is this really worth it?

There are many advantages to high speed train lines over other forms of public transportation.  Traditionally, many people travel across the country by cars or buses – both of which have limited capacity and speed.  And for those who have visited Vietnam, they understand how slow traffic can be on the highways.  Air travel is fast but can be pricey and have a smaller carrying capacity which limits the maximum number of travelers per day.   These constraints may perhaps support the argument for a high volume high speed mode of transportation.

With Vietnam’s ever expanding economy, the addition of the new high speed rail can have the potential of relieving congestion on the transit systems while enabling more communication between the northern and southern parts of Vietnam.

As the world attempts to reduce pollution and become more “green”, Vietnam has joined this movement by participating in Earth Hour 2010.  Vietnam’s investment in high speed trains means it is investing in more energy efficient mode of transportation.

A few more notable advantages of high speed trains include a higher passenger capacity, thereby reducing the amount of land used per passenger when compared to cars on highways.   Train stations are also much smaller and less costly than airports, therefore can be built in tighter spaces (like cities) and in more locations, thereby offering passengers more destinations.

Do we have the technology to implement this?

Businessweek reported on Friday that discussions have been ongoing between Vietnam and Japan to explore ways to provide financial assistance to Vietnam.  Nguyen Huu Bang, the chairman of Vietnam Railways Corp, has shown interest in recruiting the help of Sumitomo Corp. and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. or Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd.
Though no finalized investment plan or construction plans have been released, I do believe this is the right direction for Vietnam.

Your opinion:  Would you use the high speed train to travel across Vietnam?

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