The Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee has approved a proposal from the Department of Finance, authorizing Truong Hai Group (Thaco) to conduct a feasibility study for the Ben Thanh–Thu Thiem section of metro line No.2. The research must be completed within four months.

In an official document signed on January 26, the city emphasized that this approval is solely for research purposes. It does not represent a decision on investment method or project developer.

Thaco is required to fully cover all costs associated with the study. If the resulting report is rejected, delayed, or if the city changes the investment model, the company will not be reimbursed.

The city directed Thaco to actively coordinate with relevant departments and agencies to ensure the quality of the research. The project must align with the city’s master plan and technical standards for its metro network. Upon completion, the results will be submitted to the Ho Chi Minh City Management Authority for Urban Railways (MAUR) to support state management efforts.

The Department of Finance has been tasked with leading the evaluation of Thaco’s research, in coordination with other relevant agencies. It will then advise the People’s Committee in reporting to the Standing Committee of the municipal Party Committee for a final investment decision.

The Ben Thanh–Thu Thiem segment is approximately 6km long. Starting from Ben Thanh station, it runs underground along Ham Nghi Street, crosses the Saigon River into Thu Thiem Urban Area, continues along Mai Chi Tho Boulevard, and ends at Thu Thiem station. This segment is a component of metro line No.2.

Previously, the 11.3km Ben Thanh–Tham Luong section of metro line No.2 broke ground on January 15, after 16 years of planning. That project, with a total investment of over USD 2.2 billion, includes 10 underground stations and one elevated station, connecting Ben Thanh station to the Tham Luong depot and passing through 14 wards in central districts.

According to the city’s urban transit development roadmap, connecting Tan Son Nhat and Long Thanh airports via the Ben Thanh–Tham Luong and Ben Thanh–Thu Thiem metro segments, along with the planned Thu Thiem–Long Thanh railway, is considered the most feasible solution.

Currently, the Ben Thanh–Thu Thiem segment is one of the city’s priority infrastructure projects. Authorities are expediting preparations for a groundbreaking ceremony, tentatively scheduled for February 9.

Tuan Kiet