The Management Authority for Urban Railways (MAUR) submitted a revised report for the Ben Thanh – Tham Luong section of metro line 2 to the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee and Department of Construction. This report outlines the proposed changes. Previously, the city council approved shifting the project's funding source from official development assistance (ODA) loans to the Ho Chi Minh City budget.
In conjunction with the funding source change, MAUR proposed an adjustment to the line's scope. This includes adding a connecting segment to metro line 1 at Ben Thanh station and expanding facilities within the Tham Luong Depot. This approach aims to ensure synchronization with metro line 6, which is planned to link Tan Son Nhat Airport with Long Thanh, and other future urban railway lines.
Houses along Cach Mang Thang Tam Street in former Tan Binh district have been set back after land was handed over for metro line 2. *Giang Anh*
Under the revised plan, the Ben Thanh - Tham Luong metro line will span 11,269 km, an increase of over 200 m. It features 9,255 km of underground track, with the remaining section running elevated and serving as the depot access road. The line will include 10 underground stations, including Ben Thanh station, one elevated station, and one depot.
The project's technology and train fleet have also been updated to meet new requirements. The revised design anticipates a substantial increase in passenger traffic. Peak hour demand is projected to exceed 11,800 passengers per hour in each direction by 2030, rising to over 28,500 passengers by 2040, and over 40,500 passengers by 2060. The initial operational phase will utilize 14 three-car train sets, later expanding to 16 and then 22 six-car sets.
The power supply system will transition from a third rail to an overhead system, mirroring metro line 1, to enhance safety. The new design also incorporates a regenerative braking energy recovery system to conserve electricity.
The updated plan's total cost breakdown includes: VND 5.096 trillion for compensation and site clearance; over VND 28.8 trillion for construction and equipment; with the remaining funds allocated to consulting, contingency, taxes, and project management.
Metro line 2 route. *Thanh Huyen*
The Ben Thanh - Tham Luong metro line received approval in 2010, envisioned as a high-capacity transport corridor linking the city center with its northwestern gateway. However, the project has encountered repeated delays due to issues with funding, procedures, and site clearance, preventing construction from starting.
Construction for the line is scheduled to begin on 15/1/2026, with completion aimed for 2030. This project is also the first in Ho Chi Minh City expected to utilize special mechanisms outlined in National Assembly Resolution 188 to expedite its progress.
Giang Anh
