5 areas identified for commercial development along HCMC's 2nd metro

Ho Chi Minh City has designated 940 hectares near 10 stations on its under-construction metro line No. 2 for transit-oriented development.

The city People's Committee recently decided to study the areas for TOD planning to create the basis for identifying suitable sites within the 940 ha for urban development and public transport hubs.

The Ben Thanh - Tham Luong metro line will run more than 11 km connecting the city downtown with its northwest.

The first of five areas identified for TOD is around downtown stations Ben Thanh and Tao Dan with more than 188 ha.

The second covers more than 265 ha around Dan Chu, Hoa Hung, Le Thi Rieng, Pham Van Hai, and Bay Hien stations.

The third, nearly 44 ha, is around Nguyen Hong Dao Station.

The fourth, with 149 ha, is around Ba Queo, Pham Van Bach, and Tay Thanh stations.

The final one spreads nearly 293 ha around Tham Luong Station and the depot.

An artist's impression of Tan Binh Station, the only elevated station on the Ben Thanh - Tham Luong metro line. Graphic by HCMC's Management Authority for Urban Railways

TOD is an urban planning model centered on public transport.

While implementation varies by location, the model generally features high-density, mixed-use developments comprising high-rise housing, shopping centers, offices, and educational, healthcare, and sports facilities clustered around transport hubs such as metro stations.

The approach seeks to maximize land use efficiency, improve access to public infrastructure, and reduce traffic congestion and pollution.

The city has assigned the Department of Planning and Architecture to work with consultants to survey existing conditions and ensure the accuracy of the planning process.

The plans are to be completed within four months.

The route map of the Ben Thanh - Tham Luong metro line. Graphic by Tam Thao

The Ben Thanh - Tham Luong metro line will have 10 underground stations, including Ben Thanh, and one above ground.

Construction began in January and is expected to be completed by 2030.

HCMC already has one metro line, the 20-km Ben Thanh-Suoi Tien route between downtown and Thu Duc City in the eastern gateway that began operating in late 2024.