HCMC Launches High-Rise Project at Thu Thiem Station

Photo courtesy of VN Express

Ho Chi Minh City has announced a design competition for the high-rise complex atop the future Thu Thiem station, a key transit hub integrating Vietnam's high-speed railway with a new rail line to Long Thanh airport. Vice Chairman Bui Xuan Cuong revealed the plan on May 20, during a site visit in the eastern Thu Duc area. The visit was also attended by Deputy Construction Minister Bui Xuan Dung.

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The station will cover 17.2 hectares, combining three rail lines: the projected North-South high-speed railway, the Ben Thanh-Thu Thiem metro, and the Thu Thiem-Long Thanh railway. It is positioned as both a southern terminus for the Hanoi-HCMC bullet train and an eastern gateway for the city. Thu Thiem, located across the Saigon River from the historic center, is earmarked as HCMC’s new financial district.

Construction of the underground Ben Thanh-Thu Thiem line began on April 29. The $1.4 billion project, under Dai Quang Minh Real Estate Investment, is set for completion in late 2030. The line will include six underground stations and connect to HCMC’s metro network.

The design competition aims to select a structure that combines modern functionality and landscape integration, making Thu Thiem an iconic station. This approach aligns with global practices observed in Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Singapore, where high-rises above rail hubs serve as prominent urban landmarks.

HCMC is also exploring transit-oriented development (TOD) models for other stations, like Binh Trung and Long Truong. Additionally, officials reviewed rail links for Long Thanh airport, scheduled to begin operations in late 2026, aiming to eventually handle 100 million passengers per year.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now · VN Express · 21 May 2026