On 22/4, the Da Nang People's Committee announced its approval in principle for Dai Quang Minh Real Estate Joint Stock Company (THACO) to conduct a pre-feasibility study for this project under a public-private partnership (PPP) method. The company is required to submit its proposal before 10/2026 and will bear all costs and risks if the proposal is not approved.

According to the study proposal, the urban railway line has a total estimated investment of 265,970 billion dong. It will commence at Terminal one of Da Nang Airport and conclude at Chu Lai Airport in Quang Nam province.

The project's implementation roadmap is divided into two phases. Phase one will span over 30 km with 14 stations, connecting Da Nang Airport to Hoi An. Phase two will cover nearly 74 km with 10 stations, extending from Hoi An to Chu Lai Airport.

A view of downtown Da Nang. Photo: Nguyen Dong

THACO stated that if approval procedures and investor selection proceed favorably, construction for the project could begin in 2/2027. Leveraging its experience from major infrastructure projects currently underway in Ho Chi Minh City, the company aims to commence implementation immediately after official selection, targeting operation by 2032.

The city has instructed the research unit to coordinate closely with relevant departments to clarify the investment method. The proposal must particularly emphasize the feasibility of exploitation, operation, and maintenance after handover.

During a working session with THACO group on the afternoon of 20/4, city leaders urged the company to promptly finalize the project proposal. To ensure timely progress, Chairman Nguyen Manh Hung tasked the Department of Finance to lead coordination with related units, review procedures, advise on investor selection, and update the synchronized implementation plan.

Da Nang leaders also advised the company to proactively prepare for implementation and clearly define the brand development direction for the first urban railway line. They also requested that the research unit immediately report any issues arising during the proposal preparation for timely resolution by the city.

If implemented, this will be Da Nang's first urban railway project. The project is expected to become a vital transportation axis, fostering regional connectivity and alleviating pressure on the road network between the tourism and industrial centers of Da Nang and Quang Nam.

Nguyen Dong