HCMC – HCMC has approved a plan to pilot transit-oriented development (TOD) at five locations along Metro Line No. 2, according to a decision signed by the city’s Vice Chairman Bui Xuan Cuong.
The plan covers all 12 stations on the Ben Thanh–Tham Luong line and the Tham Luong depot. TOD zones will span a one-kilometer radius from each station and the depot. For land parcels that fall partly within this area, the city will consider including either the entire parcel or only the relevant section in the planning boundary.
In the first phase, TOD planning will be carried out at the Tham Luong depot and the Pham Van Bach, Tan Binh, Bay Hien, and Ben Thanh stations. Other sites will be developed later.
The TOD program aims to concentrate housing, commercial space, and offices within walking distance of metro stations to improve land-use efficiency and reduce private vehicle use. It also includes requirements to protect existing cultural assets.
The Department of Planning and Architecture has been assigned to review planning tasks, prepare cost estimates, select consultants, and coordinate with relevant agencies on funding and resources. The department will report progress to the city government.
The Department of Finance will arrange funding for planning work and identify areas for investment attraction. The Department of Agriculture and Environment will review land availability, legal procedures, and propose solutions to land-related obstacles.
The Management Authority for Urban Railways (MAUR) will provide details on station locations, dimensions, protection corridors, and the route alignment. It will also give input when requested.
The central Government earlier proposed allowing HCMC and Danang City to retain all revenue generated from TOD-related land development to finance urban rail and transport infrastructure.
TOD planning focuses on higher-density development around public transport hubs. The model is widely used internationally but remains in an early stage in Vietnam.
For local railway projects following the TOD model, the Government has also proposed allowing cities or private investors to cover the full costs of land clearance and resettlement.
