The Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee outlined this proposal in a document sent to Dong Nai on 5/6, concerning the investment plan for the Thu Thiem - Long Thanh railway line. Reaching an agreement between the two localities aims to accelerate procedures, with the goal of breaking ground on the project before 2/7.

An updated study reveals that the railway line spans approximately 47,7 km, traversing seven wards and communes across Ho Chi Minh City and Dong Nai. The entire route is designed with 18 stations: two underground and 16 elevated. However, based on practical considerations and the development strategies of both localities, Ho Chi Minh City suggests initially investing in 14 stations during the first phase.

The stations slated for initial construction include: Binh Trung, Do Xuan Hop, Ba Hien, Phu Huu, Long Truong, Vuon Dua, Long Tan, Phu Thanh, Tuy Ha, Nhon Trach, Phuoc Thien, Xom Goc, Long Thanh 1, and Long Thanh 2.

Route of the Thu Thiem - Long Thanh railway and its stations. *Graphics: Hoang Thanh*

The railway line originates from Thu Thiem station, proceeding elevated through Binh Trung and Long Truong wards. It then runs parallel to the Ho Chi Minh City - Long Thanh - Dau Giay expressway corridor. Upon reaching the Ring Road 3 interchange, the route turns south, following the eastern side of this road before crossing the Dong Nai River to the left of Nhon Trach Bridge.

Entering Dong Nai province, the line continues elevated along the left side of Ring Road 3, then transitions into the median of Road 25B. Trains will cross National Highway 51, the Bien Hoa - Vung Tau expressway interchange, and proceed into the median of Road T1. As it approaches Long Thanh Airport, the line will go underground into the airport's planned railway area. It is expected to be positioned to the right of the North-South high-speed railway before concluding at Cam Duong depot.

The project requires over 144 hectares of land. Land clearance will be managed as an independent sub-project, with funding sourced from the budgets of Ho Chi Minh City and Dong Nai. Previously, the Thu Thiem - Long Thanh line was planned as a light rail system, and the Ministry of Construction prepared a pre-feasibility study. After transitioning to an urban railway model, Ho Chi Minh City received the study results to update and finalize the investment plan.

The project currently has a preliminary total capital of approximately 175,000 billion VND and is expected to be implemented under a Build-Transfer (BT) model. Dai Quang Minh Real Estate Investment Joint Stock Company, a subsidiary of Thaco, has proposed its participation.

Ho Chi Minh City aims to complete the railway line by 2030. Once operational, the line will establish a high-capacity transportation axis, directly connecting the city center with Long Thanh Airport.

Giang Anh