HCMC metro extension to Dong Nai and Binh Duong provinces estimated at $3.5B

Ho Chi Minh City needs VND86.15 trillion (US$3.55 billion) to lengthen its first metro to the neighboring industrial-hub provinces of Dong Nai and Binh Duong, the city Transport Department said.

A train of HCMC's metro line No.1 on a test run in Thu Duc City. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran

In a statement sent to authorities in HCMC, Dong Nai and Binh Duong, the department said the estimated total funding includes the cost of relocating and compensating affected families, constructing, consulting, and managing the project, as well as unexpected expenses.

As mapped out by the department, the metro extension will be divided into three sections and each locality will be in charge of building and funding its own part.

The extension in HCMC will cost VND3 trillion, while the two sections in Binh Duong and Dong Nai will cost VND51.7 trillion and VND31.4 trillion each.

The authorities in HCMC, Dong Nai and Binh Duong agreed in principle last May with a plan to lengthen HCMC's metro line No.1.

That roadmap planned for the line, which is still under construction to complete its 19.7 km stretch between Ben Thanh Market in downtown HCMC to Long Binh Depot in Thu Duc City, will then be split into two branches running to Dong Nai and Binh Duong.

The new plan is to expand the line by 1.8 km in Thu Duc City.

After ending at Thu Duc, the metro will run in two directions, 18.3 km to Dong Nai and 30 km to Binh Duong. All of the extra sections proposed in the new plan will be elevated.

The Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien metro line is now 97% completed after many delays since work started in 2012.

At a total cost of over VND43.7 trillion ($1.85 billion), it will include three underground stations and 11 elevated ones.

The project is expected to be finished this year and begin commercial operations in 2024.

(Source:Vnexpress)