The directive was outlined in a conclusion notice issued by Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Bui Xuan Cuong following a meeting on the progress of Metro Line 2 (Ben Thanh - Thu Thiem section) and the Thu Thiem - Long Thanh railway.

According to Cuong, the two projects play a particularly important role in forming a synchronized and modern urban railway network. They are considered critical links in the strategic connection between Ho Chi Minh City and Dong Nai province, contributing to stronger and more sustainable public passenger transport capacity.

City leaders emphasized that once completed, the two lines will enhance connectivity between Long Thanh International Airport and central Ho Chi Minh City, as well as Tan Son Nhat International Airport. The target of completing the projects before 2030 has been identified as a key political task, consistently and decisively directed by Party, State and city leaders.

Groundbreaking before April 20

The city’s vice chairman has required heads of departments, agencies and relevant units to urgently mobilize maximum resources and fully implement assigned tasks to ensure the project breaks ground before April 20.

Based on Resolution No. 188 and Government Decree No. 257/2025, city authorities have determined that the Ben Thanh - Thu Thiem metro is a key and urgent project eligible to apply special mechanisms and policies within the city’s authority to shorten implementation timelines.

To facilitate progress, the city has agreed in principle to establish an appraisal council for the project’s feasibility study report. Relevant departments and localities are required to appoint leaders to the council and submit their nominations to the Department of Finance before March 1 for consolidation.

The Department of Construction has been assigned to draft a report for submission to the Standing Board of the City Party Committee, proposing recognition of the project as an urgent case eligible for special mechanisms, while adjusting the investment model where appropriate. The implementation plan must ensure the “six clarities” criteria: clear personnel, clear tasks, clear timelines, clear responsibilities, clear deliverables and clear authority.

At the same time, the city has assigned specific responsibilities to each agency. The Department of Planning and Architecture will appraise route alignments and station locations to ensure feasibility and minimize potential complaints. The Department of Agriculture and Environment will review the proposed build-transfer contract scheme and determine the projected land fund for payment. The Department of Construction will examine technical solutions for Thu Thiem Station and the tunnel crossing the Saigon River to ensure safety and independent operation capability.

Accelerating the Thu Thiem - Long Thanh line

For the Thu Thiem - Long Thanh railway, city leaders have tasked the Department of Finance with urgently advising on and proposing the entity responsible for preparing the feasibility study report, ensuring compliance with legal regulations and submission to the city People’s Committee before February 28.

Concentrating resources on these two mega projects is expected to create a major breakthrough for transport infrastructure in the eastern area, removing long-standing bottlenecks in regional connectivity between Ho Chi Minh City and neighboring provinces.

Tuan Kiet