According to a decision signed on August 16 by Deputy Chairman of the HCMC People’s Committee, Bui Xuan Cuong, the Management Authority for Urban Railways (MAUR) has been appointed as the primary investor responsible for implementing preparatory tasks for two regional metro projects: Metro Line 1 (New Binh Duong City - Suoi Tien) and Metro Line 2 (Thu Dau Mot City - HCMC).

MAUR must urgently draft feasibility studies, submit them for evaluation and approval, and develop detailed monthly, quarterly, and annual plans to ensure project timelines are met.

The city also assigned the Department of Construction to review and advise on adjustments to urban planning, particularly for areas developed under the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) model, and to guide MAUR in project preparation and assessment.

Meanwhile, the Department of Agriculture and Environment will review land use plans along the routes and propose effective strategies for TOD land development.

Previously, MAUR had urgently submitted a request to the city’s People's Committee and Department of Finance to assign them as the lead investor and allocate funding for pre-construction work.

According to MAUR, the Metro Line 1 project (New Binh Duong City - Suoi Tien) has not yet been submitted to the National Assembly, while Metro Line 2 (Thu Dau Mot - HCMC) has not undergone investment policy approval.

The recently approved Railway Law 2025 introduces new mechanisms and special policies to support railway development, including urban railways. These projects now fall under the updated investment procedures set by Law No. 90/2025/QH15 and do not require separate investment policy decisions.

Under the new regulations, local railway projects developed under the TOD model fall under the authority of provincial governments, which are empowered to initiate, assess, approve, and amend investment projects following procedures similar to those for Group A projects managed by local authorities.

Based on its functions, MAUR proposed that the city’s People’s Committee officially assign it the task of preparing these two metro projects. MAUR also recommended the Department of Finance advise the City People’s Council to allocate $400,000 (₫10 billion) per project for preparatory work in 2025.

Project details:

Metro Line 1 (New Binh Duong City - Suoi Tien): The planned route will span over 29 kilometers, run entirely above ground, and end at Suoi Tien Station, where it will connect to the existing Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien metro line. This line will feature 17 stations, share the Long Binh depot, and carry an estimated investment of around $1.83 billion.

Metro Line 2 (Thu Dau Mot City - HCMC): Stretching over 21.87 kilometers, this elevated route will terminate at Hiep Binh Phuoc Station, where it will connect to Metro Line 3. The line will include 13 stations and a shared depot, with an estimated cost of approximately $1.98 billion.

Tuan Kiet