Ho Chi Minh City Prepares to Commence Construction of Metro Line 2 Ben Thanh – Tham Luong in Early 2026
On November 10, the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee issued the Implementation Plan for the Ben Thanh – Tham Luong Metro Line 2 Project, marking a significant milestone in the city’s development of a modern public transportation system.
According to the plan, from October to December 2025, key tasks will be completed, including: submitting and approving the project implementation plan; preparing and evaluating the mid-term and final reports of the adjusted feasibility study; and conducting an environmental impact assessment along with pre-adjustment monitoring reports. The compensation, clearance, and relocation of technical infrastructure for Metro Line 2 have been substantially completed, paving the way for the entire line’s construction.
In November and December 2025, the investor will finalize preparatory work. The metro line is expected to break ground on January 15, 2026, with full-scale construction beginning on January 16, 2026.
AI-generated illustration of the future Ben Thanh – Tham Luong Metro Line 2
Mr. Tran Vo Anh Minh, Deputy Head of the Urban Railway Management Department (Ho Chi Minh City Department of Construction), stated on VTC News that the total construction time is estimated at 57 months, and Metro Line 2 will officially commence operations in December 2030. Prior to this, the train will undergo a 3-month trial run starting in September 2030.
The Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee has instructed relevant departments, agencies, and localities along the metro route to proactively review and streamline administrative procedures, enhance the application of information technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in document classification and priority determination. Progress monitoring will be conducted bi-weekly, with the Department of Construction serving as the standing agency to compile and report to the People’s Committee.
The city has agreed to apply National Assembly Resolution 188 on special mechanisms for urban railway development, which simplifies administrative procedures and eliminates the need for re-approval of investment policies. Consequently, the entire investment capital for Metro Line 2, amounting to VND 47,890 billion, has been transferred from ODA funds to the city’s budget, ensuring autonomy and flexibility. The city has also updated expert appraisal fees into the total investment to ensure comprehensive and transparent project management.
How is the Ben Thanh – Tham Luong Metro Line 2 Planned?
The Ben Thanh – Tham Luong Metro Line 2 spans a total length of 62.17 km with 42 stations, directly connecting to Metro Line 1 at Ben Thanh Station. Phase 1, covering 11.6 km, includes 9 underground stations and 1 elevated station, designed for a maximum operating speed of 90 km/h (elevated) and 80 km/h (underground), with 14 train sets, each consisting of 3 cars. It is estimated to serve approximately 227,000 passengers daily, with a peak capacity of nearly 12,000 passengers per hour.
The project was approved in principle in 2010, with Phase 1 commencing in 2019. After adjustments, the completion date has been set for late 2030.
This metro line will serve as a transportation axis connecting the city center with the northwestern region, alleviating congestion on major roads such as Cach Mang Thang Tam, Truong Chinh, and Cong Hoa. It will also promote urban development following the TOD (Transit-Oriented Development) model.
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