CaliToday (10/8/2025): A significant new proposal has been put forward for the construction of a metro line connecting the economic hub of Ho Chi Minh City with the future Long Thanh International Airport, carrying an estimated investment of approximately 65,000 trillion VND. This ambitious project is poised to be a critical artery for the Southern Key Economic Region, aiming to resolve significant transportation challenges and unlock substantial socio-economic development for the entire area.
The latest proposal, brought forward by a consortium of businesses, outlines a plan to develop the metro line under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, utilizing a Build-Transfer (BT) contract. This development has garnered considerable attention, signaling strong private sector interest in major national infrastructure projects. It represents a new phase in the long-discussed plans to create a vital rail link to the new international gateway.
This is not the first time a metro line to Long Thanh has been proposed. Earlier government-led plans had estimated the project's cost at around 84.7 trillion VND (approximately US$3.5 billion). The emergence of the 65,000 trillion VND proposal from the private sector introduces a new dynamic and a different funding approach to this crucial infrastructure undertaking. The project has also attracted interest from other major players in the region, including corporations like Gamuda Land and Thaco Group, who have expressed their own ambitions in developing or participating in the metro line, underscoring the project's strategic importance and commercial viability.
A Catalyst for Socio-Economic Transformation
The proposed metro line is expected to be far more than just a transportation solution. It is envisioned as a transformative project that will significantly impact the urban and economic landscape of Southern Vietnam.
Resolving Traffic Congestion and Enhancing Connectivity: One of the most immediate benefits will be the alleviation of the chronic traffic congestion on the existing road networks connecting Ho Chi Minh City with the provinces of Dong Nai and Ba Ria-Vung Tau. By providing a reliable, high-speed mass transit option, the metro will offer a much-needed alternative for both airport passengers and daily commuters, drastically reducing travel times and improving the overall efficiency of the regional transportation system.
Driving Urban and Real Estate Development: The project is anticipated to be a major catalyst for urban development along its corridor. The development of metro stations will likely spur the growth of new residential areas, commercial centers, and mixed-use developments, following the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) model. This is expected to lead to a significant appreciation in land and property values in the areas surrounding the metro line, attracting further investment and contributing to the expansion of Ho Chi Minh City's urban footprint in a more planned and sustainable manner.
Boosting Tourism and Logistics: For the tourism sector, a direct and efficient metro link to Long Thanh Airport will be a game-changer. It will provide a seamless and convenient travel experience for international and domestic tourists, enhancing the attractiveness of Ho Chi Minh City and the surrounding regions as a premier tourist destination.
From a logistics perspective, the new airport is set to become a major cargo hub. The metro line, while primarily for passengers, is a key component of a larger integrated transportation network that will support the airport's logistics functions. Improved connectivity will facilitate the movement of goods and contribute to the development of a multifunctional economic hub around the airport, encompassing industrial parks, logistics centers, and commercial services.
Fueling the Southern Key Economic Region: By interlinking Ho Chi Minh City, the country's economic powerhouse, with its new international aviation gateway, the metro line will be a powerful engine for the Southern Key Economic Region. It will enhance the region's competitiveness, attract foreign direct investment, create a multitude of new jobs, and stimulate a wide range of economic activities, solidifying its position as the primary driver of Vietnam's economic growth.
The proposal for the 65,000 trillion VND metro line to Long Thanh Airport marks a pivotal moment for infrastructure development in Vietnam. While discussions and evaluations are ongoing, the project's immense potential to reshape the region's economic and social fabric is undeniable, making it a focal point of attention for policymakers, investors, and the public alike. The successful realization of this mega-project would undoubtedly be a landmark achievement in Vietnam's journey of modernization and development.
