HANOI, April 2026 — South Korea’s Hyundai Rotem has confirmed its interest in participating in Vietnam’s planned North–South high-speed railway project, positioning itself as a potential key technology and rolling stock partner for the country’s largest infrastructure development programme. The company’s proposal includes participation in train manufacturing, systems integration, and workforce development.
The discussions took place during a meeting between Hyundai Rotem leadership and Vietnamese government officials in Hanoi, alongside a South Korean business delegation. The company highlighted its previous involvement in Vietnam’s urban rail sector, particularly metro projects in Ho Chi Minh City, where it has contributed to technology transfer and operational support.
Hyundai Rotem indicated that it is prepared to support multiple aspects of the high-speed rail programme, including rolling stock production, signalling systems, maintenance frameworks, and operational management. A key component of its strategy is the localisation of manufacturing in Vietnam, enabling gradual transfer of production capabilities and supply chain development within the country.
The company’s engagement builds on an existing partnership framework with Vietnamese conglomerate Thaco, which includes plans for domestic production of locomotives and carriages under a localisation strategy. This cooperation is designed to support Vietnam’s broader ambition to develop a domestic rail industry ecosystem alongside its high-speed rail rollout.
Vietnam’s North–South high-speed railway is one of the region’s most ambitious transport projects, planned to span approximately 1,541 kilometres with operating speeds of up to 350 km/h and an estimated investment exceeding $60 billion. The project is expected to be implemented in phases, with contractor selection and preparatory works advancing through 2026.
More broadly, Hyundai Rotem’s involvement reflects increasing competition among global rail manufacturers for participation in Vietnam’s next-generation rail infrastructure. The project is expected to become a benchmark for technology transfer, localisation strategies, and large-scale rail development across Southeast Asia.
Source: The Investor Vietnam
Hyundai Rotem Targets Vietnam’s North–South High-Speed Rail Project
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Vietnam’s high-speed rail ambitions are attracting strong interest from global rolling stock manufacturers and system integrators. Hyundai Rotem has expressed intent to participate in the North–South high-speed railway project, offering technology transfer and integrated rail solutions.
