The Government of Ho Chi Minh City will break ground on Metro Line No. 2 in December 2025 as part of a long-term plan to develop seven metro lines spanning 355 km by 2035. The initiative follows the passage of Resolution No. 188, which introduces special policies to accelerate urban rail development in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.
The 11.3-km-long Line No. 2, with a total investment of VND47 trillion, will feature 9.3 kilometers of underground track and two kilometers of elevated railway, connecting Ben Thanh Station in District 1 to Tham Luong Station in District 12. Site clearance for all metro projects is set to continue until 2027, with the next six lines expected to begin construction in 2027.
The broader metro expansion plan, requiring an estimated USD40.2 billion, will leverage central and local government budgets, transit-oriented development (TOD) revenue, and bond issuance. The city expects TOD-related revenues to generate USD7.79 billion, covering 19.3 per cent of metro construction costs.
To ensure successful implementation, the city has assigned 74 specific tasks, including legal preparations, investment mobilization, and workforce training. The Department of Transport will also launch a training program for urban rail officials, while Saigon Transportation Mechanical Corporation will lead railway industry development and investment in rolling stock.
Metro projects will be integrated with urban planning, with TOD land auctions beginning after site clearance to attract investment and maximize development potential.