Subway line 2 in Ho Chi Minh City: construction starts in December 2025!

Subway line 2 in Ho Chi Minh City: construction starts in December 2025!

Ho Chi Minh City Metro Line 2, which runs from Ben Thanh to Tham Luong, will have a total length of 11.3 kilometers. Of this, 9.3 kilometers are underground routes and 2 kilometers are overland routes. This important infrastructure measure is expected to begin construction in December 2025 and is part of a comprehensive plan to develop seven metro lines over ten years, totaling 355 kilometers in length. This plan is based on the implementation of National Assembly Resolution No. 188, passed in February, to accelerate the development of urban railways in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi. Vietnam.vn reports that the project requires a total investment of about 47 trillion VND (about 1.83 billion USD).

However, the project is currently facing several challenges. The Board of Directors of the light railway informed about the implementation of the above resolution and documented that the procedures for investment preparation and project implementation for Line 2 are behind schedule. There were delays of 61 to 69 days compared to the city people's committee's original plans. The investor presented a detailed implementation plan, but much of the work was delayed. Tuoitre.vn clarifies that the aim is to switch from ODA financing to public investment by April 2025, which is urgently needed in order to be able to meet the planned start of construction.

Challenges and solutions

Specific plan steps have been defined for subway line 2, which include clear responsibilities and deadlines. A total of 74 specific tasks were identified that are crucial to the success of the project. The city has set up seven working groups with over 60 specific tasks to monitor progress. A key aspect of the plan is the accelerated selection of consultants and contractors to strategically promote completion.

Another goal of the city is to develop urban areas around the subway stations, which will be designed according to the transit-oriented development (TOD) model. A comprehensive review and adjustment of land use plans is planned from 2026 to 2030. The income generated by the project is estimated at about $7.79 billion, which could cover 19.3% of the capital needs for the subway lines.

Outlook for the future

Ho Chi Minh City's first subway line is expected to begin commercial operations in December 2024 and will provide a strategy for increasing mobility within the city. The remaining six subway lines of the light rail system are scheduled to begin construction from 2027, reinforcing the need to finally address the causes of the previous delays. To this end, the necessary approval procedures for the selection of relevant consulting companies should be completed by the end of March 2025 in order to ensure further progress. The Ho Chi Minh City Municipality emphasizes the urgency of measures to adhere to schedules and ensure effective project implementation.