HCMC’s Metro Line 2 Moves Forward with New Contractor
After years of delay, Ho Chi Minh City’s Metro Line No. 2 from Ben Thanh to Tham Luong finally secures a new consultancy contractor, signalling a new chapter for the ambitious project. The city’s Management Authority for Urban Railways (MAUR) has selected a consortium for this crucial consultancy package, valued at VND175 billion (approximately 247 million Thai Baht).
The consortium, which includes Guangzhou Metro Design & Research Institute Co., Ltd. from China alongside Vietnamese and international partners, is tasked with updating the line’s feasibility report and technical designs. Their work will also include overseeing the tendering process for construction contractors, a critical step that will shape how the project unfolds.
The journey to this point has been fraught with challenges. The initial consultancy contract, held by a consortium of German, Swiss, and Vietnamese firms, was terminated in 2018 due to a dispute over fees. This halted progress on securing necessary financing and extending existing loans for the project. Subsequently, the funding approach shifted to public investment, leading to the current tender process.
Spanning 11 kilometres with nine underground stations and one above ground, the line will connect key areas via major roads like Truong Chinh and Cach Mang Thang Tam, terminating at the central Ben Thanh station. This new metro line aims to enhance HCMC’s transportation infrastructure following the opening of the city’s first line, which runs from Ben Thanh to Suoi Tien, in December last year.
However, the project comes with a hefty price tag of over VND47.8 trillion (around 67.5 billion Thai Baht) and has faced significant delays. Initially expected to be completed by 2026, the timeline has been extended to 2030. In a strategic move to avoid further delays, the central government approved a proposal to forego official development assistance loans, instead opting for domestic funding.
The progress of Metro Line No. 2 is a significant development in HCMC’s urban landscape, promising significant improvements in public transport and urban connectivity. As the city pushes forward with this essential infrastructure project, there is renewed hope that modern, efficient transit options may soon become a reality for its residents.
Source: Adapted by ASEAN Now from VN
