Potential of Binh Duong's first metro line

Binh Duong is currently working on the development of its traffic system by implementing the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) model. This approach focuses on enhancing public transport, with the aim of creating a modern, decentralized traffic system that promotes urban development and improves residents' quality of life. The future development of Metro TOD connections in Binh Duong presents numerous opportunities for growth in the province, particularly in areas along the routes where the metro lines will be established.

Two investment options

Mr. Nguyen Anh Minh, Director of Provincial Department of Construction, said that The feasibility report for Urban Railway Line No. 1, which will connect Binh Duong New City to Suoi Tien in Ho Chi Minh City, is being finalized urgently. This report is being prepared based on feedback from experts and provincial leaders and will be submitted to the National Assembly soon for consideration of the project's investment policy. The project is expected to start at station S1 in the center of Binh Duong new city (Hoa Phu ward, Thu Dau Mot city) and end at Suoi Tien bus station on Metro line 1 of Ho Chi Minh City, with a total length of 32.43km, including the main line of 29.01km and the Depot connecting section of 3.42km.

The province's first Metro Line 1 will pass through four cities: Tan Uyen, Thu Dau Mot, Thuan An and Di An with 19 stations and 1 Depot in Phu Chanh ward of Tan Uyen city. The route is designed with technical standards, mainly double track, 1,435mm gauge, and a design speed of 120 km/h, with a total investment of about 64,370 billion VND. The project is expected to start construction in 2027 and be completed and put into operation in 2031.

Mr. Nguyen Anh Minh added that Provincial Department of Construction has coordinated and worked with the Ho Chi Minh City Urban Railway Management Board, the design consultant for the two urban railway lines of Ho Chi Minh City and Binh Duong on the shared use of Long Binh Depot of Ho Chi Minh City Urban Railway Line No. 1. Accordingly, The Long Binh Depot is planned to cover an area of approximately 26 hectares. In the first phase of Ho Chi Minh City's Urban Railway Line No. 1, the Depot will be developed over about 20 hectares and will include 30 train parking lanes.

Investment options are studied for feasibility, including: Option 1 will be public investment for the entire 32.43km route; Option 2 is public investment from A1 roundabout to Suoi Tien, 29.01km long, without investing in the Depot in Phu Chanh ward, Tan Uyen city, thus it will reduce about 8,000 billion VND. However, many opinions say that developing Depots for metro lines is very important, because it contributes to serving the operation, maintenance, repair...

According to the Department of Construction, in the first phase of operation, Ho Chi Minh City’s Urban Railway Line No. 1 will run 17 trains without requiring an investment in a depot. Meanwhile, Binh Duong's Metro Line No. 1 is planned to operate with 10 trains in the same initial phase. Following discussions with Ho Chi Minh City, the involved parties agreed to share the infrastructure. In the next phase, as the number of trains on both Urban Railway Line No. 1 in Ho Chi Minh City and Binh Duong Metro Line No. 1 increases, Binh Duong will invest in a depot located in Tan Uyen City for parking and related operational tasks.

Contribute to completing the connecting traffic infrastructure

Investing in Metro Line 1 and subsequent metro lines will help Binh Duong strengthen traffic connections; especially the metro line will connect Binh Duong with Ho Chi Minh City, reducing the current pressure on road traffic. This connection will help people move more conveniently and quickly, especially between key areas of Binh Duong and Ho Chi Minh City.

Mr. Nguyen Anh Minh emphasized that developing the metro system according to TOD model will promote socio-economic growth and create integrated urban areas around stations, providing a broader space for development. Research and practical experiences from countries with established metro systems show that following the TOD model can enhance real estate values and create attractive investment opportunities for investors. Additionally, metro development plays a vital role in reducing environmental pollution and traffic congestion, contributing to the goal of sustainable urban development. Most importantly, the connectivity of future metro lines will transform the province, delivering numerous benefits and improving the quality of life for its residents.

Binh Duong is currently developing urban areas centered around public transport hubs, with the goal of establishing urban chains linked to the construction of bus rapid transit (BRT) routes and enhanced regional traffic connections. The province is also channeling resources into key regional transport projects while promoting the construction of urban railways. These initiatives are part of a plan to improve public transport infrastructure funded by official development assistance (ODA) loans from the Japanese government. Recently, the Japanese government has supported Binh Duong in studying a development plan for a light rail line (LRT) designed to connect TODs within the province. This initiative aims to create a transportation network that links major cities in Binh Duong with neighboring areas in the future.

The Metro TOD model connecting Binh Duong and Ho Chi Minh City is expected to enhance urban development between these areas. Additionally, plans for future BRT and LRT routes will create a comprehensive transportation network that complements the metro lines. This network aims to provide convenience for commuters and alleviate pressure on urban traffic.

Reported by Minh Duy 

Translated by Ngoc Huynh