Vietnam ministry orders careful review of $9bn Ho Chi Minh City-Can Tho railway project

He described the rail line as a nationally significant project with high costs and complex technical requirements, stressing the need for careful evaluation before moving forward.

He asked the My Thuan Project Management Board and consultants to incorporate feedback from relevant agencies and strengthen the scientific rationale for investing in the railway.

Authorities were directed to reassess transport demand forecasts by balancing road, maritime, inland waterway, and air transport, while considering future expansions of the Ho Chi Minh City-Can Tho and Can Tho-Ca Mau expressways.

He also asked the project team to refine the proposed scale of the main line, including phased development from single-track to double-track systems, and to consider bridge construction options along the route.

Authorities agreed on a shared-use Can Tho 2 Bridge for both rail and road traffic.

Design solutions must include comparisons of operating speeds at 120 kph, 160 kph, and 200 kph, and assess elevated versus ground-level alignments, especially through urban areas.

Plans for Can Tho Station should ensure future connectivity with the planned Can Tho-Ca Mau railway.

Dung also requested a review of preliminary investment costs, funding options, and estimates for operation, maintenance, and major repairs.

The My Thuan Project Management Board previously submitted a pre-feasibility study for a 175.2-kilometer line passing through Ho Chi Minh City, Tay Ninh, Dong Thap, Vinh Long, and Can Tho.

The line would start at An Binh Station in Ho Chi Minh City and end at Hung Phu Ward in Can Tho.

Phase one would feature a single-track, electrified line with a 1,435-millimeter gauge, designed for both passenger and freight transport at 160 kph.

Phase two would expand to a double track.

Estimated costs for phase one are about $6.72 billion if the bridge is shared with road traffic, or $6.94 billion if separate.

Phase two is projected at $2.025 billion.

The board proposed starting phase one before 2030, with operations beginning in 2035, and completing phase two by 2055.

The board recommended public investment using state budget resources.