HCMC – The HCMC People’s Committee has chosen January 15, 2026 for the groundbreaking of Metro Line No. 2, which will connect Ben Thanh Market and Tham Luong Depot.
According to the city government’s online portal, preparations for the project will take place until late 2025, following the completion of environmental impact assessment updates, monitoring reports, and the final feasibility study review between October and December this year.
The Management Authority for Urban Railways (MAUR) of HCMC is tasked with overseeing the preparations and subsequent construction. The city will apply special mechanisms under the National Assembly’s Resolution 188/2025/QH15, allowing the project to proceed without repeating the investment policy approval process.
Expenses related to appraisal experts will be included in the project’s total investment cost. MAUR will compile and submit all necessary documents for appraisal and approval in line with regulations.
To ensure progress, the city has directed all relevant departments and agencies to simplify procedures, shorten processing times, and closely monitor implementation. Agencies that cause delays may be held accountable. The Department of Construction will act as the agency to coordinate and report project updates to the municipal government.
The 11-kilometer Ben Thanh–Tham Luong urban railway was originally approved in 2010 with an estimated cost of US$1.3 billion (around VND26 trillion). In 2019, the total investment cost was revised up to US$2.1 billion (nearly VND47.9 trillion), with US$1.6 billion coming from official development assistance (ODA) loans from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the German Development Bank (KfW), and the European Investment Bank (EIB).
However, due to challenges in securing international financing, HCMC has decided to fund the project through the state budget instead.
