HCMC narrows key roundabout to clear path for 2nd metro line

The roundabout, at the boundary of the erstwhile Districts 3 and 10, is being shrunk at the turning from Ba Thang Hai Street to Cach Mang Thang Tam Street.

The adjustment of the intersection is made after an area nearby is temporarily fenced off for the relocation of electricity, water and telecom lines to earmark ground for the construction of the Dan Chu underground station of the Ben Thanh - Tham Luong line.

A spokesperson for the Ho Chi Minh City Management Authority for Urban Railways (MAUR), which manages all of the city's metro project routes, current and planned, said the relocation of utility lines is expected to be completed this year, after which the roundabout would be restored.

The Dan Chu Roundabout sees six streets run into it: Vo Thi Sau, Cach Mang Thang Tam, Ba Thang Hai, Ly Chinh Thang, Nguyen Phuc Nguyen, and Nguyen Thuong Hien.

The city had planned to build a steel overpass here, but put it on hold pending adjustments to align with the progress of the metro line.

In addition to the roundabout, 11 other locations along the route are also undergoing work to clear the way for the construction of the project's main packages.

The Ben Thanh – Tham Luong metro route will run 11 km with nine stations below and one above ground.

It will pass through major roads like Truong Chinh and Cach Mang Thang Tam, ending at the underground Ben Thanh station in the downtown area.

It is expected to cost over VND47.8 trillion (US$2 billion).

It was initially scheduled for completion in 2026 but has been delayed until 2030.

The government last week approved the city's proposal to not depend on loans from German bank KfW and instead use domestic funds to avoid further delays.

Over the next 10 years Ho Chi Minh City aims to build 355 km of metro line.

Currently only line No.1 from Ben Thanh to Suoi Tien is operational.