An estimated VND86 trillion ($3.6 billion) is needed to extend Metro Line No. 1 in Ho Chi Minh City to the neighboring provinces of Binh Duong and Dong Nai, according to the city’s Department of Transport.

The capital will be mobilized from the State budget.

The extension totals 53.3 km in length.

In April, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh approved adjustments to the city’s transport development planning, which includes the extension of the metro line to Dong Nai and Binh Duong.

The line runs 19.7 km between Ben Thanh Station in District 1 and Suoi Tien Depot in Thu Duc city and has 14 stations, including eleven elevated and three underground.

It allows a maximum speed of 110 kph on the elevated sections and 80 kph on the underground sections.

It is the first metro line among eight projected for the southern city and has total investment of VND43.7 trillion ($1.82 billion).

Construction began in 2012 and over 95 per cent of work has been completed.

It is scheduled to be fully completed by the end of this year and be officially opened next year.