Ho Chi Minh City Vice Chairman Bui Xuan Cuong outlined this direction during a site inspection on the morning of 20/5. He was accompanied by a delegation led by Deputy Minister of Construction Bui Xuan Dung to examine the planned Thu Thiem hub station in Binh Trung ward, which was formerly part of Thu Duc City.

Thu Thiem station is planned to cover a total area of 17,2 hectares. It will connect three railway and metro lines: the North-South high-speed railway, the Ben Thanh - Thu Thiem metro, and the Thu Thiem - Long Thanh railway.

Leaders from the Ministry of Construction and Ho Chi Minh City listened to a presentation on the construction plan for the Thu Thiem station area, morning of 20/5. *Photo: Giang Anh*

Currently, the Ben Thanh - Thu Thiem line, approximately 6 km long, has been started by Dai Quang Minh Real Estate Investment Joint Stock Company (Thaco). The Thu Thiem terminal station (ST06E) for this line is designed with one underground and one elevated level. This design anticipates the transition section from underground to elevated for the Thu Thiem - Long Thanh project, particularly as it crosses the An Phu interchange. Ho Chi Minh City and Thaco are actively finalizing plans for this railway line, with groundbreaking expected before 2/7.

However, to ensure a synchronous connection, including technical solutions, architectural design, and land clearance at Thu Thiem, all plans must align with the station for the North-South high-speed railway project. This larger project is currently in the feasibility study phase, awaiting approval.

According to Ho Chi Minh City leaders, once the plans are finalized and approved by the Ministry of Construction, the city can proceed with developing high-rise complexes above Thu Thiem station. This approach aims to optimize space and land utilization, adhering to the transit-oriented development (TOD) model. Given Thu Thiem's status as a major hub station, the city plans to organize an architectural design competition. The goal is to select a modern design that optimizes functionality and integrates seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.

Location of Thu Thiem station construction. *Photo: Quynh Tran*

Deputy Minister Bui Xuan Dung and the delegation largely agreed with this direction, noting it is a common trend in many major cities worldwide. With synchronous implementation, Thu Thiem is expected to become an iconic station for Ho Chi Minh City.

Previously, during the study for the Thu Thiem - Long Thanh railway investment, Ho Chi Minh City leaders also tasked various units with researching TOD models around other stations, such as Binh Trung and Long Truong depot. This initiative aims to effectively utilize land and public facilities along the route.

Today, the Ministry of Construction delegation also visited the Long Thanh airport area in Dong Nai to discuss investment plans for railway lines connecting to the airport. The purpose is to standardize routes and investment approaches for synchronous development. According to the master plan, the airport will have three direct railway connections: the North-South high-speed railway, the Thu Thiem - Long Thanh railway, and the extended Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien metro project.

Giang Anh