Proposal to Construct the Thu Thiem - Long Thanh Railway

​(News Portal – Dong Nai) - The Ministry of Transport has requested the participation of two localities, Ho Chi Minh City and Dong Nai Province, along with relevant units, to provide feedback on the pre-feasibility study report of the Thu Thiem - Long Thanh Railway Project, which is prepared by a consortium of consulting units including the Transport Engineering Design Incorporated (TEDI) and the South Transport Engineering Design Joint Stock Incorporated (TEDI SOUTH). 

The Thu Thiem - Long Thanh railway is proposed for investment with a total length of nearly 42 kilometers and includes 20 stations. (Photo is for illustrative purpose) 

A Nearly 42 km Route

According to the pre-feasibility study report, the Thu Thiem - Long Thanh railway is proposed to have a length of 41.83 km, with over 11.7 km passing through Ho Chi Minh City and more than 30 km through Dong Nai Province.

The consulting consortium also indicates that the Thu Thiem - Long Thanh railway is planned as a passenger transport railway, functioning similarly to an urban railway but with inter-regional connections. Based on the characteristics of the route, passenger transport demand, urban railway standards, and global experience, the type of transport recommended for the Thu Thiem - Long Thanh Urban Railway Project is the Rapid Transit (RRT/MRT) system.

According to the proposed alignment in the pre-feasibility study report, the route starts from Thu Thiem Station, running parallel to the right side of the Ho Chi Minh City - Long Thanh - Dau Giay Highway and the North-South high-speed railway. After crossing with Ho Chi Minh City Ring Road No. 3, the route veers right and runs parallel to the left side of this road, continuing to cross the Dong Nai River approximately 62.5 meters upstream from the Nhon Trach Bridge.

After crossing the Dong Nai River, the route will continue to follow Ho Chi Minh City Ring Road No. 3 and enter the left median of this road as planned by Nhon Trach District. Upon reaching the intersection with Provincial Road 25B, the route will turn left and enter the median of Provincial Road 25B. When it reaches Long An Commune, Long Thanh District, the route will turn right, and after crossing National Highway 51, it will go underground along the corridor of the high-speed railway leading to Long Thanh International Airport, which will be the project's endpoint.

With this proposed alignment, the route will feature 20 stations, including 16 elevated stations and 4 underground stations. Additionally, the project will allocate a depot spanning over 21 hectares in Cam Duong Commune, Long Thanh District, and a smaller depot of approximately 1.2 hectares in Thu Thiem, Thu Duc City for train parking, minor repairs, and cleaning.

Proposed Funding Approach

According to the proposed investment scale, the project has a preliminary total investment of nearly 85 trillion VND, equivalent to over 3.4 billion USD (excluding interest). The project is expected to commence construction in 2026 and be completed for operation by 2030.

The consulting consortium evaluates that the Thu Thiem - Long Thanh Railway Project has a large investment scale and high technological and technical requirements. Therefore, for the funding approach, the consortium proposes to combine state budget capital with Official Development Assistance (ODA) capital. Specifically, the state budget will account for nearly 59 trillion VND, which is 69% of the total investment; while ODA loans will contribute over 26 trillion VND, accounting for 31% of the total investment.

To ensure synchronization, the consulting consortium proposes that the infrastructure and vehicles be invested in the initial operation phase through public investment. After the project becomes operational, it will invite enterprises to invest in vehicles and transportation services, paying rent for infrastructure to the state.

Specifically, upon completion of construction, it is expected that the project will be handed over to the Thu Thiem - Long Thanh Railway Limited Liability Company for management and operation of the railway line.

To shorten the project timeline, the consulting consortium also proposed 15 special mechanisms and policies within the authority of the National Assembly and 5 special mechanisms and policies under the authority of the Government.

According to the consulting consortium, investing in the Thu Thiem - Long Thanh Railway is essential to achieve four goals: realizing the objectives of developing synchronous and modern transport infrastructure in line with the guidelines set by the Party and the State; meeting passenger transport demand along the corridor connecting the center of Ho Chi Minh City and Long Thanh Airport; creating new development spaces, accelerating urban development, distributing population and labor along the corridor, and enhancing the competitiveness of the economy, thereby driving industrial, tourism, and service development; and promoting a sustainable, modern, and friendly transport method that contributes to reducing traffic accidents, environmental pollution, and ensuring national defense and social order. ​​