$2.5bn planned to revive Di An-Bau Bang railway section in Ho Chi Minh City

According to the pre-feasibility report for the project, the Di An-Bau Bang segment spans over 52.3 kilometers, with 39.5 kilometers elevated and the rest running at ground level.

The proposed route links An Binh Station and Bau Bang Station, both in the former Binh Duong Province, now integrated into Ho Chi Minh City.

To enhance the appeal of railway transportation, passenger trains were proposed to run at speeds of up to 160 km/h and freight trains at up to 120 km/h.

The project is proposed to be funded by the state budget, local budgets, and other lawful sources. 

Local funding is expected to be mobilized through infrastructure investment capital, local bonds, and transit-oriented development.

During the third session on July 9 of the steering committee for key national railway projects, the Ho Chi Minh City government noted that the project had previously been assessed by an appraisal council set up by the former Binh Duong Province, which is now part of the city.

In the coming time, Ho Chi Minh City will review the revised Railway Law and newly issued regulations to expedite the investment process.

Under the national railway network plan, there are eight railway lines connecting with Ho Chi Minh City. 

Currently, only the 1,726-kilometer Ho Chi Minh City-Hanoi line is operational.

The North–South high-speed railway is under development.

Planned new routes include Bien Hoa-Vung Tau, Ho Chi Minh City-Loc Ninh, Ho Chi Minh City-Can Tho, Thu Thiem-Long Thanh, Ho Chi Minh City-Tay Ninh, and lines connecting to Hiep Phuoc Port and Long An Port.

The Ministry of Construction is currently overseeing the planning, evaluation, and approval of adjustments to the national railway network and the planning of stations and railway lines linking to Ho Chi Minh City.

It was reported that in addition to the North–South line, the French also built several branch lines, such as Saigon-Loc Ninh, in the past.

After 27 years, the line was shut down for various reasons. 

Today, remnants of the old railway remain hidden among overgrowth.

As part of the new scheme, sections of the Ho Chi Minh City-Loc Ninh railway will follow the old trackbed or run approximately 200 meters away from it.