According to a recent decision issued by the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, the boundaries for planning transit-oriented development (TOD) areas around the 10 stations and depot of Metro Line 2, the Ben Thanh - Tham Luong section, span approximately 938 hectares.

Approving these boundaries does not mean the entire area will be developed under the TOD model. Instead, it serves as a basis for identifying suitable locations within these zones to build urban areas integrated with public transport hubs.

For the two stations located in the city center, Ben Thanh and Tao Dan, the planning boundaries for TOD areas cover a total of more than 188 hectares. This zone is delineated by the following routes: Truong Dinh, Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Nguyen Trung Truc, Ly Tu Trong, Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Nguyen Trai, Cach Mang Thang Tam, Tran Hung Dao, Nguyen Thai Hoc, bordering the Saigon River, Ben Van Don, Vo Van Kiet, and Ben Nghe Canal.

Underground cross-section perspective of the Ben Thanh station cluster (Ho Chi Minh City center), where the Ben Thanh – Tham Luong and Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien metro lines intersect. *Photo: MAUR*

For the Dan Chu, Hoa Hung, Le Thi Rieng, Pham Van Hai, and Bay Hien stations, the research boundaries for TOD area planning extend over 265 hectares. This area lies within the corridor of the following routes: Hoang Van Thu, Xuan Dieu, Nguyen Thai Binh, bordering Nhieu Loc Canal, Hoang Sa Street, Truong Sa Street, Ba Huyen Thanh Quan, Ly Chinh Thang, and Dien Bien Phu. Other routes include: bordering To Hien Thanh Street, Ho Ba Kien, Le Thi Rieng Park, Banh Van Tran Street, Nam Chau, bordering Cach Mang Thang Tam Street, and Hoa Hung.

At Nguyen Hong Dao station, the TOD development research area spans nearly 44 hectares, bounded by the following routes: Cong Hoa, Dong Xoai, Truong Chinh, Hoang Hoa Tham, Dong Den, Truong Cong Dinh, Ap Bac, and Bau Cat.

Next, the area around Ba Queo, Pham Van Bach, and Tay Thanh stations has TOD planning research boundaries covering nearly 149 hectares. This scope is within the corridor of the following routes: Truong Chinh, Tan Son Nhat Airport, Pham Van Bach Street, Tran Thai Tong, Phan Huy Ich, Tay Thanh, CN2, D15, D10, D16, D9, Che Lan Vien, Alley 71, Le Trong Tan; it also includes the area bordering Tan Ky Tan Quy route, the industrial park, and CN5 Street.

The final area is around Tham Luong station and depot, with a total area of nearly 293 hectares. It lies within the scope of the following routes: Tan Thoi Nhat, Street No. 22, Street No. 17, Tham Luong Canal, the area bordering 19/5 Canal, Le Trong Tan Street, and Phan Van Hon.

Ben Thanh - Tham Luong Metro Line route. *Graphic: Tam Thao*

Transit-oriented development (TOD) is an urban planning model centered around public transportation. While implementation methods vary by locality, the common characteristic of this model is high-density, mixed-use development, including high-rise residential buildings, commercial centers, offices, and educational, medical, and sports facilities. All these are integrated around public transport hubs, such as metro stations, ensuring convenient connectivity. This model aims to improve land use efficiency, public infrastructure, and reduce traffic congestion and pollution.

Currently, the Ho Chi Minh City government has assigned the Urban Development Management Board (under the Department of Planning and Architecture) to coordinate with a consulting unit to survey current conditions and ensure accuracy during the TOD planning process in these areas. The planning period is a maximum of four months from the date of boundary approval.

The Ben Thanh - Tham Luong Metro Line spans over 11 km, starting at Ben Thanh station (former District 1) and ending at Tham Luong depot (former District 12). The line features 10 underground stations (including Ben Thanh station), one elevated station, and one depot. The project began in January this year and is expected to be completed in 2030, creating a high-capacity transport axis connecting the city center with the northwestern gateway.

Giang Anh