Ho Chi Minh City has approved the extension of Metro Line 2 to a total length of 11.269 kilometers-an increase of around 200 meters-to incorporate Ben Thanh station as the official starting point, ensuring comprehensive integration with the city’s urban railway system.

The municipal People’s Committee has recently signed off on a revised alignment plan and project infrastructure locations as part of the mid-term feasibility report for the adjusted Metro Line 2 project (Ben Thanh – Tham Luong).

According to the updated plan, the main line’s total length has been increased from the previously approved 11.042 kilometers to 11.269 kilometers-adding over 200 meters to the route.

In a notable shift from the original design, the revised plan officially includes Ben Thanh station within the project’s scope. This change ensures seamless and synchronized connectivity between Metro Line 1 (Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien) and Line 2 in the heart of the city.

With this adjustment, Metro Line 2 will begin at Ben Thanh station and end at the Tham Luong depot. The route will mostly follow the transport corridors of Pham Hong Thai, Cach Mang Thang Tam, and Truong Chinh streets.

The line will pass through 14 wards: Ben Thanh, Ban Co, Xuan Hoa, Hoa Hung, Vuon Lai, Nhieu Loc, Tan Hoa, Tan Son Nhat, Bay Hien, Tan Binh, Tan Son, Tay Thanh, Tan Son Nhi, and Dong Hung Thuan.

In addition, the HCMC government has approved updates to the layouts of key interchange stations such as Tao Dan, Bay Hien, and Ba Queo. These modifications aim to optimize direct connectivity with other planned metro lines (Lines 3, 5, and 6).

Tunnel specifications have also been revised, reducing the external diameter of the tunnel boring machine (TBM) from 6.8 meters to 6.4 meters. This change is expected to lower construction volume and time, reduce costs, and minimize vibration impact on residential building foundations during construction.

Another key update involves downsizing the Tham Luong depot from 22.31 hectares to approximately 17.35 hectares. The remaining 5 hectares will be used as construction staging ground and materials storage for building the main line.

Notably, the project will now adopt GOA4 automation-fully driverless train operation-upgraded from the previous semi-automated GOA2 level. This move is designed to enhance system efficiency and operational management.

As of now, 100% of the land clearance for Metro Line 2 has been completed. The city plans to begin full construction of the entire route before January 15, 2026.

Tuan Kiet