Ho Chi Minh City’s Railway Expansion: Paving the Way to Long Thanh Airport

On the morning of March 3, a pivotal meeting of the Steering Committee for vital national railway projects was convened, chaired by the Prime Minister. The focus was sharp: urging Ho Chi Minh City and Dong Nai Province to accelerate the implementation of critical infrastructure projects designed to enhance regional connectivity.

Emphasis on Compliance and Integrity

Despite the urgency of these projects, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of adhering strictly to relevant regulations and procedures. This approach places a strong emphasis on combating corruption and waste while ensuring that the projects maintain efficiency. It’s clear from this directive that the government is keen on keeping transparency at the forefront, which is crucial for maintaining public trust and ensuring the success of such large-scale initiatives.

Metro Projects: A Major Leap Forward

Ho Chi Minh City is poised to make significant strides in urban transportation with its plans to break ground on two new metro lines in the first half of this year. These metro lines will cover over 50 kilometers, establishing vital links between the city’s center and Long Thanh Airport. Specifically, the Ben Thanh-Thu Thiem line and the Thu Thiem-Long Thanh line are set to transform how residents and travelers navigate this bustling metropolis.

The development of these projects is being spearheaded by Truong Hai Group, which has proposed investing under a public-private partnership (PPP) model. Utilizing build-transfer (BT) contracts, this funding structure is designed to bolster efficiency and innovation in construction while distributing financial risks more evenly between the public and private sectors.

Timeline and Investment

For the Ben Thanh-Thu Thiem route, the project is on a fast track, with groundbreaking expected in April. The city has tasked the investor with preparing a detailed feasibility study report, with the goal of completing the project within five years. Meanwhile, the Thu Thiem-Long Thanh line has been upgraded to an urban railway from its original light rail concept. The city is now contemplating a plan for the investor to lead the research and implementation, with hopes of commencing construction before June 30 and aiming for completion by 2030.

Long Thanh Airport: A Gateway to Connectivity

Long Thanh Airport stands out as a monumental investment for Vietnam, with estimated costs nearing VND 337 trillion (approximately USD 12.94 billion). The project received its first ceremonial flight on December 19, 2025, and is anticipated to commence commercial operations by mid-2026. Initially, it will cater to long-haul flights from key regions including Europe, North America, India, and the Middle East.

However, despite this ambitious development, challenges loom over transport connectivity from Ho Chi Minh City to the airport. Currently, the primary mode of transport relies heavily on the road network, particularly the Ho Chi Minh City-Long Thanh-Dau Giay Expressway, which often operates at or beyond capacity. The distance from the city center to the airport is approximately 40 km, making timely access a significant concern.

Navigating the Challenges

As expansion continues, the incompleteness of expressways and metro lines exacerbates the problem. There are several ongoing infrastructure projects, including Ring Road 3, National Highway 51, and upgrades to provincial roads 25B and 25C. However, the lack of synchronization among these various projects raises concerns about potential congestion as the airport becomes operational.

The integration of these transport networks is crucial to reduce travel time and enhance the overall efficiency of accessing Long Thanh Airport. City officials are tasked with ensuring that these developments are aligned and integrated to mitigate delays and traffic bottlenecks that could hinder progress and growth.

In summary, Ho Chi Minh City’s ambitious railway projects and the development of Long Thanh Airport mark a transformative phase in Vietnam’s infrastructure landscape. By prioritizing thorough planning, compliance, and effective investment strategies, the city aims to create a foundational network that supports both local and international travel, significantly impacting the region’s economic growth and connectivity.