HCMC – HCMC plans to complete 355 kilometers of urban railway and integrate its transportation system with urban planning by 2035 to better serve residents and drive socio-economic growth.
Speaking at a workshop on Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) solutions in HCMC on February 25, Bui Xuan Cuong, vice chairman of the HCMC People’s Committee, announced that the city will develop seven metro lines, covering a total of 355 kilometers, by 2035.
These metro lines will include An Ha – Long Binh depot, Thu Thiem – Binh My depot, An Ha – Hiep Binh Phuoc depot, Dong Thanh – Hiep Phuoc urban area, Hung Long University Urban Area – Vinhomes Grand Park, a metro line connecting Thu Duc City, District 7, Binh Chanh, and inner-city districts, and Tan Kien Station – Long Binh depot.
Beyond 2035, the city plans to expand the network with three additional metro lines totaling 155 kilometers, increasing the system’s overall length to 510 kilometers. Two planned routes will also extend to Cu Chi and the Can Gio reclaimed urban area.
With a population density exceeding 4,500 people per square kilometer, Cuong emphasized the need for harmonized urban and transportation planning, ensuring synchronized infrastructure development.
He stressed that the metro system should serve as the backbone of public transportation, meeting mobility demands while fostering economic growth.
According to HCMC’s draft master plan for 2040, with a vision toward 2060, several locations have been earmarked for Transit-Oriented Development (TOD).
Cuong highlighted that successful TOD implementation requires careful planning, efficient land use, financial strategies, and clear responsibilities among stakeholders.
HCMC has adopted a “learning-by-doing” approach, drawing insights from global cities. However, Cuong noted that knowledge, technology, and investment are essential to shift from merely constructing metro lines to implementing a TOD-driven urban model.
The city must also develop legal frameworks, and build a skilled workforce to effectively operate the system.
