The Cat Lai Bridge project, initiated in 2003, has been one of the most anticipated developments by locals. With the Long Thanh Airport expected to commence commercial operations in the first half of 2026, the construction of the Cat Lai Bridge has become more urgent than ever.
Catalyzing Urban Development
The Cat Lai Bridge is poised to significantly boost the growth of the Nhon Trach New Urban Area, establishing a vital transportation link from Long Thanh Airport to Ho Chi Minh City via Provincial Road 25C.
Vice Chairman of Dong Nai Provincial People’s Committee, Ho Van Ha, confirmed that both localities have reached a consensus on the project’s necessity. “Dong Nai Province aims to commence the Cat Lai Bridge project in 2026 and complete it by the end of 2028,” stated Mr. Ho Van Ha.
According to the proposal by Construction Corporation No. 1 (CC1), the project spans over 11.6 km, including a 4.7 km bridge, with an estimated investment of over VND 18,800 billion (excluding construction period interest costs).
CC1 has proposed a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) investment model, offering three options: a BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer) and BT (Build-Transfer) contract paid by the state budget, a BT contract paid by the state budget, and a BT contract paid through land funds.
Previously, authorities from Dong Nai Province and Ho Chi Minh City agreed to assign the Dong Nai Provincial Investment Project Management Board to prepare the project dossier. They also recommended studying investment options under a PPP model, specifically a BOT contract.
For the bridge approaches, both localities agreed on detailed implementation plans to ensure synchronized construction timelines, preventing delays that could negatively impact operations, exploitation, and project capital recovery.
Recently, the Departments of Construction of Dong Nai Province and Ho Chi Minh City collaborated to review and align the project’s alignment with local planning schemes.
Mr. Duong Van Hieu, Deputy Director of Dong Nai Province’s Department of Construction, noted that Ho Chi Minh City has approved the 1/2,000 zoning plan for Sub-zone 6 of the former Thu Duc City. Meanwhile, Dong Nai Province has integrated the project into the adjusted master plan for the Nhon Trach New Urban Area, currently under review by the Ministry of Construction.
Dong Nai aims to start construction of the Cat Lai Bridge in 2026
Extending Metro to Long Thanh Airport
Recently, the joint venture between DonaCoop Infrastructure Investment JSC and VinaCapital Group officially proposed a route extension for the Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien metro line to Tran Bien Ward, Long Thanh Airport, and the development of a TOD urban model under a PPP scheme. The investors estimate the project’s total cost at approximately VND 65,000 billion, excluding land clearance expenses, which will be handled by the government.
The joint venture also identified seven areas along the metro line for TOD development, covering over 880 hectares. Representatives from the consulting firm, Southern Transportation Design Consulting JSC (Tedi South), stated that the project spans approximately 38.5 km, divided into three sections: a 6.5 km segment from Station S0 to the new administrative center of Dong Nai Province (Bien Hoa 1 Industrial Zone), a 5 km segment from the new administrative center to the central axis of the old Bien Hoa City, and a 27 km segment from the new administrative center to Long Thanh Airport.
For the segment from Station S0 in Dong Hoa Ward, Ho Chi Minh City, to the new administrative center of Dong Nai Province, an elevated route is proposed to reduce construction costs. Over 1 km of this segment will pass through Ho Chi Minh City.
The segment from the new administrative center to the central axis of the old Bien Hoa City, passing through dense urban areas, is planned to be underground.
The segment from the new administrative center to Long Thanh Airport will start at Station S2.4 in the new administrative center and connect to the Thu Thiem – Long Thanh railway line in Long Thanh Commune, Dong Nai Province, leading to the airport.
Vice Chairman Ho Van Ha urged the joint venture to collaborate closely with the Department of Construction to revise plans and expedite the process. The goal is to submit the project dossier to the Provincial Party Standing Committee by September 2025. The Department of Construction will work with the investors to optimize the route and determine station locations for TOD development. Stations within urban areas will be designed and constructed underground.
The Dong Nai Provincial People’s Committee has tasked the Department of Construction with completing the Cat Lai Bridge project dossier for submission to the Provincial Party Standing Committee. Once approved, the dossier will be presented to the Provincial People’s Council for investment approval.
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