HCMC considers new metro lines, more connectivity

The plan, announced by the HCMC Department of Transport, aims to synchronize the city’s urban railway network as part of the metropolis’ urban planning efforts through 2040 with a vision to 2060.

HCMC has already had plans for eight metro lines and three electric vehicle lines, spanning a total of 220 km, with an estimated investment capital of $25 billion. Among the metro lines, the first line (Ben Thanh-Suoi Tien) and the second line (Ben Thanh-Tham Luong) are under construction, while the rest are seeking funding and investment before beginning construction.

The first new line would connect terminals of Tan Son Nhat airport to downtown HCMC and Thu Thiem urban area. The line would also connect Thu Thiem-Long Thanh railway to the Long Thanh Airport in Dong Nai.

The second line would connect downtown HCMC to the coastal urban area in Can Gio District, spanning 2,870 ha. This line is expected to connect with HCMC’s fourth metro line (Thanh Xuan-Hiep Phuoc urban area) in Nha Be District, before going over the Soai Rap River to reach the coastal urban area.

The third line would connect two national railway stations in the city, Thu Thiem and Tan Kien, spanning 28 km.

Besides the three new lines, proposals have suggest other metro lines be lengthened to create an urban railway corridor along the HCMC-Ben Thanh-Thu Thiem-Long Thanh route. Certain other lines are now also being considered for adjustments to connect them with urban railways in Binh Duong Province, an industrial hub bordering HCMC.