To meet the timeline for the groundbreaking of Metro Line 2 (Ben Thanh - Tham Luong) by the end of 2025, Ho Chi Minh City is channeling all efforts into the critical task of relocating underground infrastructure.

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Phan Cong Bang, head of MAUR, inspects technical infrastructure relocation for Metro Line 2. Photo: TK

On the night of July 13, Phan Cong Bang, Head of the HCMC Management Authority for Urban Railways (MAUR), personally inspected key construction sites, including major stations such as Station S3 at Dan Chu roundabout (District 3) and Station S9 in Ba Queo (Truong Chinh Street).

Currently, contractors are working overnight with machinery and workers operating continuously. Barriers have been set up to ensure traffic safety, and work is being carried out in stages to minimize the impact on residents.

According to Mr. Bang, land clearance for the project has been fully completed, with all 585 affected households having handed over their land. The current focus is on relocating complex underground infrastructure. Around 60% of the work has been completed, covering systems such as electricity, water, telecommunications, traffic lights, and trees at 12 locations.

Despite challenges posed by discrepancies between technical drawings and actual underground layouts, the project team remains committed to staying on schedule. The goal is to complete the relocation within 2025 to pave the way for construction.

"Metro Line 2 is a critical transportation project that cannot be delayed further. Meeting the end-of-year construction deadline is not just a goal, it's a mandate. We are deploying all resources and working closely with stakeholders to resolve every obstacle in relocating infrastructure," emphasized Mr. Bang.

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MAUR leadership checks progress at Ba Queo Station, Truong Chinh Street.

MAUR will continue working with contractors to address issues daily and expedite the process. Additional traffic police and staff will be deployed at work zones to manage traffic and prevent congestion.

The project also benefits from the special mechanisms enabled by National Assembly Resolution No. 188/2025/QH15.

In Q3 2025, Ho Chi Minh City is expected to select key consulting firms for the project, including: preparation of the revised feasibility study report, FEED design and bidding; evaluation of the revised feasibility report and FEED design; and supervision of site surveys.

Once consultants are appointed, the city will complete the necessary documentation for approval and proceed with the groundbreaking. Meanwhile, discussions are ongoing with central ministries to finalize the withdrawal of ODA and concessional foreign loans from the project’s funding.

Contractors are racing to complete infrastructure relocation for Metro Line 2 to meet the 2025 construction start deadline

Metro Line 2 will span 11.042 kilometers with 10 stations (9 underground, 1 elevated), at a total investment of USD 2.093 billion (approximately VND 47.89 trillion).

Beyond Metro Line 2, the city plans to invest in seven additional metro lines. MAUR is contributing feedback to finalize the city's metro network as part of the general urban planning adjustment for HCMC to 2040, with a vision to 2060.

In 2025, the city plans to select consultants to reassess the overall metro network, including station, depot, TOD area, and underground space placement. The comprehensive feasibility study and technical design are scheduled for 2026, with final approval expected in 2027. Construction contractor selection is anticipated by the end of 2027.

Tuan Kiet