Underground cross-section rendering of the Ben Thanh station complex (central Ho Chi Minh City), where the Ben Thanh-Tham Luong line intersects with the Ben Thanh-Suoi Tien line.
Construction of the Ben Thanh-Tham Luong metro line began on Jan. 15. Funded by the state budget, the project has a total investment of more than VND55 trillion (US$2.1 billion). The line is nearly 11.3 km long, running from Ben Thanh Station in the former central District 1 to Tham Luong depot in former District 12.
Compared with earlier plans, the route length has been increased by about 200 meters to synchronize connections with Metro Line 1 at Ben Thanh Station and to expand facilities within the Tham Luong depot area.
Rendering of a train running through the underground tunnel of the Ben Thanh-Tham Luong metro.
Ho Chi Minh City aims to complete the line by 2030, with an estimated construction period of about five years. The project is being piloted under a new mechanism designed to resolve obstacles that previously caused Metro Line 1 to take 17 years to complete.
In the initial operating phase, the line will use three-car trains with a maximum speed of 80-110 kph, carrying more than 14,400 passengers per hour per direction during peak times.
Interior design of the underground Ben Thanh Station.
Most of the Ben Thanh-Tham Luong metro runs underground, with more than 9 km in tunnels. The entire line has 10 underground stations (including Ben Thanh), one elevated station, and one depot.
One of the entrances and exits of the underground Ben Thanh Station on the Ben Thanh-Tham Luong line.
In the future, Ben Thanh central station will continue to serve as a major interchange, connecting with Metro Lines 4 and 3A, as well as the Ben Thanh-Can Gio high-speed rail line.
Interior rendering of Tao Dan Station, one of the largest underground stations on the line.
Located near Tao Dan Park and adjacent to Ben Thanh Station, it is planned to connect with the city's Metro Line 3.
While Ben Thanh Station has four underground levels, other underground stations on the Ben Thanh-Tham Luong line will have two levels. The upper level houses concourses, ticketing, and station services, while the lower level serves boarding and transfers.
Entrance and exit of Tao Dan underground station on Cach Mang Thang Tam Street. The design is similar to the entrances of the Ben Thanh–Suoi Tien metro stations currently in operation.
Transition section from the underground segment to Tan Binh Station, the only elevated station on the line.
In addition to the largely underground alignment, the elevated section, transition areas, and access tracks to the depot total about 2 km in length.
Tan Binh Station features a two-level structure with a canopy roof, staircases, escalators, and elevators to provide convenient access for passengers.
Rendering of Tan Binh Station viewed from below.
Like the elevated stations on the Ben Thanh-Suoi Tien line, Tan Binh Station includes a pedestrian bridge to allow passengers to cross the road safely when entering the station.
Compared with the previous GoA2 (semi-automatic) design, the Ben Thanh-Tham Luong metro has been upgraded to GoA4, the highest level of automation currently available. This allows fully automatic operation without a driver.
In emergencies or special operating situations, control staff can intervene remotely to ensure passenger safety.
