VietNamNet Bridge – Preparations to build three metro lines in HCM City at a cost of nearly VND92 trillion (over US$4.2 billion) have been finalised, according to the HCM City Management Authority of Urban Railways.

They are the 7.6km line No 3A linking Ben Thanh Market in District 1 with the Western Bus Station in Binh Tan District at an estimated VND32.2 trillion, a 9.03km extension of the line from the bus station to Tan Kien in Binh Chanh District at VND26 trillion (US$1.2 trillion), and line No 3B from the Cong Hoa Crossroads in District 3 to Hiep Binh Phuoc in Thu Duc District at VND33.7 trillion (US$1.55).

According to the authority, most of 3A and 3B will be underground while the extension of the former will on the surface or elevated.

The three lines will go through densely populated residential areas in districts 1, 3, 5, 6, 10, 11, Binh Thanh, Binh Tan, Thu Duc, and Binh Chanh.

Line No 3A will connect the Western Bus Station while 3B will connect the Eastern Bus Station in Binh Thanh District.

MAUR said the city People's Committee has been seeking money for the projects from ODA (official development assistance) loans.

Paperwork for the 3A extension has been completed and MAUR will solicit opinions from relevant agencies for it in the coming months.

VNS