Vietnam Govt Urged to Allow Extension of $2.4B Japan-funded Metro Route

Authorities of Vietnam’s southern province of Dong Nai have proposed the government extend a metro route in Ho Chi Minh City and expand several expressways to enhance transport connections in the southern economic zone. The province’s People’s Committee has asked that the Ben Thanh-Suoi Tien metro route, now under construction, be extended 4.7 kilometers to reach the Vung Tau intersection in Bien Hoa City in Dong Nai Province. Tran Van Vinh, vice chairman of the provincial People’s Committee, said the extension of the Ben Thanh-Suoi Tien metro route to Vung Tau intersection in Bien Hoa City should be approved to increase efficiency and resolve traffic jams near the eastern gateway of HCM City. Dong Nai province has also proposed expanding a section of National Road 1 running through the province to four lanes, including construction of a fence in the middle of the road to ensure traffic safety. It also has asked the government to speed up approval of extension of expressways that would connect to Long Thanh International Airport (expected to open in 2025). This includes the Dau Giay-Phan Thiet expressway and Bien Hoa-Vung Tau expressway. The Ben Thanh-Suoi Tien metro route costs an estimated VND54 trillion ($2.4 billion). The 19.7-kilometer railway was kicked off in August 2012 and is expected to be completed in 2019 and start run in 2020. The Japanese government has signed an agreement to finance $800 million for the metro line with 14 stations, including three underground ones. (vietnamplus.vn Jul 18)