HCMC – HCMC has assigned Becamex Investment and Industrial Development Group (Becamex IDC) to study two major railway projects and has also endorsed a plan to extend Metro Line No.1 to areas within what was formerly Binh Duong Province.
At a meeting with the company, HCMC Chairman Nguyen Van Duoc said Becamex would conduct feasibility studies for the HCMC–Can Tho City railway and the Bau Bang–An Binh–Cai Mep logistics rail line.
The HCMC–Can Tho project would span 174 kilometers with an estimated first-phase cost of more than VND173.6 trillion. Passenger trains would run at speeds of up to 200 km/h and freight trains at 160 km/h.
The Bau Bang–An Binh–Cai Mep line would cover 127 kilometers and require nearly VND153 trillion. Passenger trains would reach 160 km/h and freight trains 120 km/h.
Both projects are aimed at improving transport links between the Mekong Delta, industrial centers in the former Binh Duong Province and Dong Nai Province, and the Cai Mep-Thi Vai port.
Becamex also proposed extending Metro Line No.1 from Suoi Tien to the former Binh Duong New City area, a 29-kilometer route with a pre-feasibility study completed.
Duoc said HCMC would seek Government approval to lead the Bau Bang–An Binh–Cai Mep project and work with Dong Nai authorities to coordinate research efforts. He urged Becamex to prepare investment plans for the metro extension so construction could start once the National Assembly revises Resolution 98, which sets special policy mechanisms for HCMC.
According to Becamex Chairman Nguyen Van Hung, now that Binh Duong and Ba Ria-Vung Tau have been merged into HCMC, the city now has stronger conditions to promote interregional development.
He also suggested integrating railway planning with land, urban, and industrial development to support project implementation.
