These two projects are among a series of key initiatives TP HCM plans to commence on the upcoming holiday, aiming to establish strategic transportation axes connecting Long Thanh airport. Both projects will be implemented under public-private partnership (PPP) and build-transfer (BT) contracts.

Conceptual rendering of the Ben Thanh - Thu Thiem metro line running underground beneath Mai Chi Tho street. Photo: Thaco

The Ben Thanh - Thu Thiem metro, with an estimated capital of nearly 46,300 ty dong, is invested by Dai Quang Minh Real Estate Investment Joint Stock Company (part of Thaco Group). This approximately 6 km underground line will start at Ben Thanh station, follow Ham Nghi axis, cross the Sai Gon river to Thu Thiem urban area, and then continue along Mai Chi Tho street to the Thu Thiem terminal station. It forms a crucial link in the transportation corridor connecting central TP HCM with the Thu Thiem - Long Thanh railway, aiming towards Long Thanh airport.

The Ben Thanh - Thu Thiem section is part of metro line two in TP HCM, which has a total length of over 62 km. This line includes the Ben Thanh - Thu Thiem, Ben Thanh - Tham Luong, and an extension to the Northwest Cu Chi urban area.

Route map of the Ben Thanh - Tham Luong and Ben Thanh - Thu Thiem metro sections. Graphic: Khanh Hoang

Previously, the Ben Thanh - Tham Luong section commenced construction in mid-January this year, with completion projected for 2030. The Ben Thanh - Thu Thiem section is also planned for completion by that time. Once operational, these two projects will contribute to TP HCM's goal of having 187 km of metro lines within the next five years and enhance infrastructure connecting Long Thanh airport, which begins commercial operations this year.

Concurrently, the Ho Tram - Long Thanh airport expressway, also set to break ground, is expected to open another strategic route connecting the nation's largest airport. This road project spans over 42 km, features four lanes, and has a design speed of 100-120 km/h. With an estimated capital of approximately 51,000 ty dong, Masterise is the investor for this project.

Upon completion, the expressway will directly link the Ho Tram coastal tourism hub (formerly Ba Ria - Vung Tau) with Long Thanh airport. It will also bolster connections between industrial zones and port clusters in satellite cities within TP HCM and Dong Nai, following administrative boundary expansions.

Conceptual rendering of the Can Gio international transshipment port project. Photo: Portcoast

In addition to these two projects, the upcoming April 30 holiday will see TP HCM break ground on a series of other significant waterway projects, including: the Can Gio international transshipment port (total capital over 128,000 ty dong), the Cai Mep Ha general and container port (over 50,800 ty dong), and phase 2 of the Cai Mep Gemadept - Terminal Link port (nearly 14,000 ty dong).

Furthermore, several other projects in technical infrastructure and education are also slated for groundbreaking during the holiday. These include: the new administrative center and landscape park at Thu Thiem central lake (total capital 30,800 ty dong), the Nha Rong - Khanh Hoi port area with expansion of historical relics, and the Ho Chi Minh Museum (total capital over 20,000 ty dong). Additionally, there will be upgrade projects for Long Truong High School, Hung Vuong Specialized High School, and TP HCM College of Economics and Technology (campus 2).

Giang Anh