Truong Hai Auto Corporation (THACO) has partnered with Spain- and South Korea-based engineering firms to design the Ben Thanh – Thu Thiem – Long Thanh urban railway, aimed at connecting Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City with Long Thanh International Airport in Dong Nai Province in Vietnam. The consultancy consortium includes Spain’s Typsa and South Korea’s Saman and Senest, which will support the development of transit-oriented stations, depot planning, and underground public amenities to enhance investment efficiency.
THACO is also negotiating with Hyundai Rotem for technology transfer in producing locomotives and rolling stock, while collaborating with Malaysia’s Gamuda Berhad and local contractors to build expertise in urban rail construction. The project comprises a 5.6 km Ben Thanh – Thu Thiem segment with six underground stations and a 42 km Thu Thiem – Long Thanh railway with a 4.7 km depot connection. Estimated costs are USD1.3 billion and USD3.5 billion, respectively. Construction is targeted to start in January 2027, with operations commencing by June 2031, pending approval under either a public–private partnership (PPP) or direct investment model.
The Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, led by Nguyen Van Duoc, has expressed support for prioritising domestic firms in urban rail development. Land clearance will be managed separately by Ho Chi Minh City and Dong Nai authorities, expected to be completed by 2026, setting the stage for one of southern Vietnam’s major inter-airport rail links.