Ho Chi Minh City and Dong Nai province have agreed to jointly develop major infrastructure projects to strengthen regional connectivity and support the future operation of Long Thanh International Airport, including a plan to research a metro line connecting Tan Son Nhat Airport to Long Thanh.

On the afternoon of October 21, Tran Luu Quang, Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee and head of the city’s working delegation, met with the Standing Committee of the Dong Nai Provincial Party Committee to discuss solutions for improving transportation infrastructure between the two localities and enhancing regional economic integration in southern Vietnam.

Speaking at the meeting, Dong Nai Party Secretary Vu Hong Van highlighted the province’s recent socio-economic development progress but acknowledged that growth indicators remain uneven, and transportation and urban infrastructure still fall short of the region's full potential. He also noted challenges in planning and state management of construction investment.

With its strategic location and strong development potential, Dong Nai is positioned for a breakthrough as key national projects - particularly Long Thanh Airport - are progressing rapidly, with operations scheduled to begin in 2026.

“If infrastructure is not synchronized, we may lose this development opportunity,” Van said. “Dong Nai commits to taking concrete actions to create breakthroughs in infrastructure development, especially transportation links with HCMC.”

According to Van, Long Thanh International Airport is not only an international gateway but also a regional development hub for southeastern Vietnam. Therefore, synchronizing transportation between HCMC and Dong Nai is of vital importance to maximize the airport’s potential.

The two provinces are working with central ministries on multiple strategic transportation projects, including the Bien Hoa–Vung Tau Expressway, expansion of the HCMC–Long Thanh–Dau Giay Expressway, Ring Roads 3 and 4, Cat Lai and Long Hung bridges, and a new urban railway line extending from HCMC to Long Thanh Airport.

“These projects go beyond transportation - they aim to establish high-quality, seamless development spaces between two of the region’s key economic centers,” Van noted.

He affirmed that with HCMC’s support and experience, Dong Nai will act decisively to seize this “golden opportunity” and develop sustainable, interconnected infrastructure.

According to Dong Nai’s provincial government, the two localities have agreed to implement major infrastructure projects in the near future to enhance regional connectivity and support Long Thanh Airport’s operation.

Currently, there are over 45 transportation links between Dong Nai and HCMC, including 14 existing routes, 13 under construction, and 18 in the planning phase. The region’s road network is under heavy pressure, especially National Highways 1 and 51, which urgently need widening and the addition of new bridges and roadways.

Beyond nine existing interprovincial bus routes with over 500 daily trips, both provinces plan to launch new green bus lines connecting directly to Long Thanh Airport.

Several major projects are being fast-tracked, including Cat Lai Bridge (USD 839 million), Long Hung Bridge (USD 479 million), Phu My 2 Bridge, and an extended metro line from Ben Thanh–Suoi Tien to Long Thanh Airport spanning over 41 km with an estimated investment of USD 2.45 billion.

The two localities have also agreed to jointly study the Tan Son Nhat–Long Thanh metro line and petition the central government to invest in the new National Highway 51C. This would ease current traffic loads and create a modern, synchronized transportation network connecting the southern key economic zone.

Speaking at the meeting, HCMC Party Secretary Tran Luu Quang agreed with the proposals put forth by Dong Nai’s Secretary Vu Hong Van, particularly on the need for clear and detailed implementation plans between the two jurisdictions.

He emphasized that to ensure efficient rollout of these transportation projects, authorities must confront existing bottlenecks, especially land clearance issues and discrepancies in compensation rates between the two provinces.

“Both localities must communicate openly, share challenges, and find joint solutions to foster meaningful cooperation and practical results,” he stated.

Hoang Anh