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In the next 10 years, Ho Chi Minh City plans to build 355km of metro lines requiring over USD 40 billion in investment. Photo: Nguyen Hue.

The Ho Chi Minh City Urban Railway Management Board (MAUR) has been officially assigned as the primary investor for seven new metro lines with a combined length of 355 kilometers, requiring over USD 40 billion in investment over the next 10 years.

The Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee has issued a decision assigning MAUR to oversee investment and implementation of the city’s urban railway projects in line with Resolution 188 of the National Assembly.

MAUR will be responsible for implementing the following projects: Metro Line 1 (Ben Thanh – An Ha segment), Metro Line 2 (Ben Thanh – Thu Thiem and Tham Luong – Cu Chi segments), Metro Line 3 (Hiep Binh Phuoc – Binh Trieu – Cong Hoa Junction – Tan Kien – An Ha), and Metro Line 4 (Dong Thanh – Tan Son Nhat Airport – Ben Thanh – Nguyen Huu Tho – Hiep Phuoc Urban Area).

The remaining three lines include Metro Line 5 (Long Truong – Hanoi Highway – Saigon Bridge – Bay Hien – Da Phuoc Depot), Metro Line 6 (Inner Ring Road), and Metro Line 7 (Tan Kien – Nguyen Van Linh Avenue – Thu Thiem – Thao Dien – Thanh Da – High-Tech Park – Vinhomes Grand Park).

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Ho Chi Minh City is currently operating the Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien metro line. Photo: Thuy Chi.

The city has instructed MAUR to propose funding strategies for three key phases: 2021–2025, 2026–2030, and 2031–2035. The agency must also prepare annual budget allocation plans to ensure timely project progress.

Additionally, MAUR is tasked with completing all necessary procedures to conclude the investment policy for Metro Line 2 (Ben Thanh – Tham Luong), which will be funded through official development assistance (ODA), in accordance with current regulations.

For the new projects, MAUR must conduct surveys, prepare front-end engineering designs (FEED), and develop feasibility study reports for submission to relevant authorities for approval.

Previously, the Ho Chi Minh City government announced plans to construct 355 kilometers of urban rail over the next 10 years with a total investment requirement of approximately USD 40.2 billion.

Under the provisions of Resolution 188, funding sources will include central and local budgets, revenues from urban development under the TOD (Transit-Oriented Development) model, and bond issuances.

The city is currently operating the 19.7-kilometer Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien metro line, which features 14 stations and connects the downtown area with Thu Duc City. The line serves approximately 50,000 passengers daily.

By the end of 2025, Ho Chi Minh City plans to begin construction of Metro Line 2 (Ben Thanh – Tham Luong), with completion targeted for 2030.

Tuan Kiet