HCMC – HCMC has assigned Truong Hai Group Corporation (Thaco) to conduct a feasibility study for the Ben Thanh–Thu Thiem section of Metro Line No. 2 within four months, the city government announced.

The HCMC People’s Committee approved the assignment on January 26, following a proposal from the Department of Finance, according to the Vietnam News Agency. The city said the approval is limited to research and proposal development. It does not constitute approval of an investment model, selection of an investor, authorization to prepare the project, or a commitment to use the study results for project implementation. If the feasibility study is not approved, is not completed within the required timeframe, or if the city decides to develop the project using other funding sources or investment forms, Thaco will have to bear all costs. The company will not be reimbursed and must transfer all research results to the Management Authority for Urban Railways (MAUR) of HCMC for state management and reference. The city requested Thaco to coordinate with relevant departments and agencies to ensure the study meets technical, economic, financial and organizational requirements and aligns with approved master plans and transport development strategies. The MAUR as the key agency for HCMC’s urban rail networks will coordinate with Thaco, support the research process, and receive, manage and store the study results to ensure consistency in planning, technology standards, system connectivity and operations. Under the proposal, the Ben Thanh–Thu Thiem section of Metro Line No. 2 would be about 5.58 kilometers long, with six underground stations. Preliminary total investment is estimated at around VND33 trillion, with the line running from Ben Thanh Station to Thu Thiem Station.