Ho Chi Minh City Unveils $44B Metro Plan to Transform Public Transport by 2035

Nine metro lines aim to transform HCMC's public transport. But can the city overcome challenges to meet its 2035 deadline?

, and Administrator

2025 October 4 . 12:34 AM

1 min read

This image is clicked in the city. At the bottom, there is a road, on which there are cars. To the... — This image is clicked in the city. At the bottom, there is a road, on which there are cars. To the left and right, there are buildings and skyscrapers. At the top, there is a sky.

Ho Chi Minh City Unveils $44B Metro Plan to Transform Public Transport by 2035

Ho Chi Minh City has ambitious plans to revolutionize its public transport system. By 2027, the city aims to start construction on nine urban metro lines, with a total investment of $44 billion. This massive project, led by the Ho Chi Minh City Management Authority for Urban Railways (MAUR), seeks to cover 355 kilometers and connect various districts by 2035.

The project, initiated by the city government, includes seven lines in the former Ho Chi Minh City and two in the former Binh Duong province, now part of the new mega Ho Chi Minh City. Vingroup has also proposed a new rail line connecting central HCMC with Can Gio. The combined investment is projected to be $44 billion, funded through a mix of state budget, non-budgetary capital, and value capture mechanisms.

Experts question the feasibility of completing all nine lines by 2035, given the time taken for Metro Line 1. There are differing views on whether to prioritize completing Line 1's TOD infrastructure or move forward with metro development. Some potential challenges include land acquisition delays, technical infrastructure relocation, regulatory complications, compensation pricing, and community resistance.

Despite these challenges, the city remains committed to its goal. Construction on all nine lines is set to begin in late 2027, with compensation, resettlement, and land clearance expected to be completed by then. The project is expected to significantly improve public transport in Ho Chi Minh City, reducing traffic congestion and enhancing connectivity.