Ho Chi Minh City Begins Saigon River Metro Project

Photo courtesy of VN Express

Ho Chi Minh City has commenced construction on a VND36.7 trillion (US$1.39 billion) metro line scheduled to tunnel under the Saigon River. This initiative aims to enhance transit connectivity, linking the city with Long Thanh International Airport. The project is spearheaded by Dai Quang Minh Real Estate Investment JSC under a public-private partnership, marking a significant development aligned with the 51st anniversary of national reunification.

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The 6-kilometer Ben Thanh-Thu Thiem line will be strategically placed beneath the city, beginning at Ben Thanh station in the bustling central market area. The route will proceed through key districts, submerged beneath the Saigon River, with its endpoint in Thu Thiem. Six underground stations will serve important city areas, including the deepest Ham Nghi station, reaching depths of 33 meters to feasibly enable the river crossing.

Technologically advanced by employing fully automated GoA4 systems, the metro line will run without onboard staff. There's a pronounced focus on localizing construction and equipment manufacturing, aiming to boost the domestic economy. The development of Thu Thiem as a hub is pivotal; it integrates with future plans to tie in high-speed railways and the forthcoming metro line to Long Thanh International Airport.

The launch on April 29 is integral to metro line 2, which aims to span over 62 km. With construction already underway on various sections, the network envisions completion by 2030, providing a robust transit backbone from Ben Thanh through Tham Luong to Thu Thiem and beyond to Cu Chi.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now · VN Express · 29 Apr 2026