HCMC backs VinSpeed's plan to extend metro line in downtown city

Ho Chi Minh City authorities have approved a proposal by VinSpeed, a high-speed rail subsidiary of Vingroup (HoSE: VIC), to extend its planned metro line to begin at Ben Thanh market in downtown city, aiming to strengthen connectivity with the broader urban rail network.

Under the revised plan, the metro will start at Ben Thanh instead of Nguyen Van Linh street in District 7 as initially proposed, while still ending at Can Gio’s coastal urban area. The 48.5-kilometer dual-track line will be capable of speeds of up to 350 km/h.

The HCMC People’s Committee said Wednesday the extension is designed to improve operational efficiency, expand public transport coverage, and enhance links between residential, commercial, and administrative zones across the southern metropolis.

VinSpeed said the realignment would better integrate with other metro routes, enabling smoother passenger transfers and more efficient capital use. The section from Ben Thanh to Tan Thuan will be built underground to minimize land clearance and resettlement costs, while the Tan Thuan-Can Gio segment will remain elevated.

The city also asked Vingroup to incorporate underground public spaces around Ben Thanh consistent with the city’s master plan, in order to boost urban aesthetics, tourism, retail activity, and reduce downtown traffic congestion.

Authorities requested VinSpeed to continue refining the route to ensure technical feasibility and maximize its contribution to HCMC’s long-term urban and economic development strategy.

In August, Nguyen Anh Tuan, general director of VinSpeed, said that the metro line is set to start construction in November, with completion expected 30 months later. It would be Vietnam’s first privately funded high-speed rail line.

According to VinSpeed’s study, the 48.5-kilometer high-speed rail line will cut travel time to just 16 minutes. Between 2030 and 2050, trains are expected to run every 12 minutes.

VinSpeed was established in May with billionaire Pham Nhat Vuong - chairman of Vietnam’s leading private conglomerate Vingroup (HoSE: VIC) - holding a 51% stake, and his two sons, Pham Nhat Minh Hoang and Pham Nhat Quan Anh, each owning 0.5%.