Ho Chi Minh City Extends Metro Line 2: Adding 200m to Directly Connect Ben Thanh Station

Ho Chi Minh City Adjusts Metro Line 2: Extending the Route by 200m to Directly Connect Ben Thanh Station

The People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City has officially approved the adjustment plan for Metro Line 2 (Ben Thanh – Tham Luong route), marking a significant milestone in the development of the city’s urban railway network. According to the latest feasibility study report, the main route’s total length will be extended to 11.269 km, an additional 200 meters compared to the original plan. The most notable highlight of this adjustment is the inclusion of Ben Thanh Station, ensuring seamless connectivity between Metro Line 1 and Line 2 at the city’s central hub, rather than ending at the previous baseline design.

With the approved plan, Metro Line 2 will originate from Ben Thanh Station and terminate at Tham Luong Depot. The majority of the route will be underground and elevated, running along key traffic arteries such as Pham Hong Thai, Cach Mang Thang Tam, and Truong Chinh streets. The project is expected to traverse 14 wards, including Ben Thanh, Ban Co, Xuan Hoa, Hoa Hung, Vuon Lai, Nhieu Loc, Tan Hoa, Tan Son Nhat, Bay Hien, Tan Binh, Tan Son, Tay Thanh, Tan Son Nhi, and Dong Hung Thuan. This adjustment not only extends the route but also strategically optimizes public transportation infrastructure for densely populated areas.

In addition to the route extension, the People’s Committee has also adjusted the layout of key interchange stations such as Tao Dan, Bay Hien, and Ba Queo to prepare for future direct connections with Metro Lines 3, 5, and 6. Another notable technical change is the reduction of the tunnel boring machine (TBM) diameter from 6.8 meters to 6.4 meters. This adjustment significantly reduces construction volume, cuts costs, shortens construction time, and minimizes vibration impacts on the foundations of nearby residential buildings.

Regarding auxiliary infrastructure, the area of Tham Luong Depot has been reduced from 22.31 hectares to approximately 17.35 hectares. The surplus 5 hectares will be utilized as a construction site and material storage area, accelerating the main line’s construction progress. Notably, Metro Line 2’s operational standard will be upgraded from GOA2 to GOA4, enabling fully automated driverless operation. This enhancement is expected to deliver superior management efficiency and enhance safety and precision during future operations.

To date, land clearance for the Ben Thanh – Tham Luong project has reached 100% completion, paving the way for subsequent phases. According to the outlined schedule, Ho Chi Minh City is focusing efforts to commence full-line construction before January 15, 2026. This milestone underscores the city’s commitment to addressing traffic congestion and modernizing its urban landscape.