Minister of Transport Tran Hong Minh has signed a decision to establish a council appraising the study feasibility for a railway line linking Ho Chi Minh City to the under-construction Long Thanh international airport in neighboring Dong Nai Province.

The proposed Thu Thiem – Long Thanh railway line will be 48 km long, including 41.8 km of the main route (11.7 km in HCM City and 30.8 km in Dong Nai) and 4.4 km for depot access.

The project demands an estimated investment capital of around VND84.7 trillion ($3.45 billion).

The metro system will have a maximum speed of 120 kph on the main route and 90 kph in tunnels.

The project will encompass both elevated and underground sections, featuring 16 elevated stations and four underground stations.

The project is expected for approval in 2025 and construction is scheduled to start in 2030. It is expected for start operational from 2035.