Railway connecting Ho Chi Minh City, Long Thanh airport to break ground before July 2

The information was included in a directive issued by vice-chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Bui Xuan Cuong following a recent meeting reviewing progress on the project.

According to the directive, city authorities acknowledged that departments and related agencies had made significant efforts in completing assigned tasks, including preparations for the groundbreaking ceremony for metro line No. 2 between Ben Thanh and Thu Thiem on April 29.

To strengthen transportation links between Long Thanh International Airport, downtown Ho Chi Minh City and Tan Son Nhat International Airport, city authorities instructed agencies to continue mobilizing all available resources and complete the necessary procedures to break ground on the Thu Thiem-Long Thanh railway project in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Ho Chi Minh City officially bearing President Ho Chi Minh's name.

The Thu Thiem-Long Thanh railway line will span approximately 47.7 kilometers, including 11.5 kilometers in Ho Chi Minh City and 36.2 kilometers in Dong Nai City.

The project is expected to include around 19 stations, comprising two underground stations and 17 elevated stations.

To ensure efficient operation of the railway, authorities requested that the feasibility study and investment plans be based on projected passenger demand in each area.

Agencies were also instructed to phase station investments appropriately to optimize operational efficiency, reduce travel time, and improve accessibility.

The Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee directed relevant departments to study and develop transit-oriented development plans around key station areas such as Thu Thiem Station, Binh Trung Station, and Long Truong Depot, along with detailed route proposals.

Authorities were also asked to coordinate with the Dong Nai administration to finalize the route alignment, station locations, connecting infrastructure, integration with other forms of public transportation, including buses and parking facilities, and the possibility of conneting with metro line No. 1 as well as Long Thanh International Airport.

In addition, agencies were instructed to review possible zoning adjustments and related planning issues to ensure smooth future operation and connectivity.

The city also requested a review of technology solutions, technical standards, rolling stock selection, power supply systems, automatic fare collection, and signaling systems to ensure compatibility with metro line No. 2, including the Ben Thanh-Tham Luong and Ben Thanh-Thu Thiem sections.