A division of the large Vingroup group, VinSpeed, has announced intentions to construct a 48.5-kilometer railway system linking the central part of the city with the coastal region of Can Gio, capable of reaching speeds up to 350 kilometers per hour.
The initiative is expected to require an investment of VND76 trillion (US$2.93 billion), according to the firm, with 15% sourced from equity and 85% obtained through borrowing. This information was shared during a conference focused on sustainable transport held in Ho Chi Minh City on Friday.
The government will fund land clearing expenses amounting to more than 7.6 billion VND ($288 million).
The suggested speed is three times faster than the current Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien metro line.
Vietnam Speed Company Chief Executive Officer Nguyen Anh Tuan stated that opting for a high-speed solution initially is simpler than making upgrades after construction. The actual operating speed may vary based on requirements, he mentioned.
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A street in the Can Gio district of Ho Chi Minh City, September 2024. Image courtesy of VnExpress/Quynh Tran |
The organization intends to start building during the final quarter of this year and finish it at the beginning of 2028.
“This presents a difficult timetable, regarded as a benchmark for a subway system, yet we remain assured of adhering to the deadline,” he stated.
Due to Vietnam’s limited exposure to similar initiatives,
VinSpeed
had examined global examples and carried out geological and geographical assessments throughout the path prior to submitting the suggestion, he mentioned.
Professionals attending the conference commended the initiative’s vision, highlighting its potential to transform urban rail and train infrastructure in Vietnam.
Nevertheless, they pointed out difficulties related to technical specifications, equipment, and processes, advocating for thorough examination of various alternatives.
Truong Tien Trien, vice director of the Ho Chi Minh City Urban Development Management Board, stated that the subway system will enhance access to Can Gio, which is now reachable solely via ferry.
He expressed worries regarding the 350 km/h speed, indicating it could affect travelers’ capacity to “appreciate Can Gio’s distinctive natural landscapes.”
Tran Du Lich, chairman of the advisory group responsible for developing HCMC’s metro system, highlighted the importance of the Can Gio line while emphasizing the need for ecological conservation.
“Even if the path is winding, it should not affect the Can Gio International Biosphere Reserve,” he stated.
Phan Huu Duy Quoc, head of Construction Corporation No. 1, involved in building the Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien subway line, suggested improving access routes and work areas to minimize ecological effects.
Regarding the river crossing part, he proposed an underground tunnel as another option instead of constructing a new bridge.
Constructing tunnels beneath rivers or city centers shares similarities, and we have prior expertise from the Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien route.
Approximately 50 kilometers away from downtown Ho Chi Minh City lies Can Gio, covering an area of 71,300 hectares, where 70 percent is made up of mangrove woods and rivers.
The HCMC subway system comprises 11 routes, of which seven (totaling 355 kilometers) aim to be finished by 2035.
The Ben Thanh–Tham Luong Metro Line 2 is scheduled to begin construction later this year, opening the door for more lines starting in 2027.
