Vietnam's Defense Ministry has broadly agreed to the investment policy and route for the first phase of Metro Line 6 from Tan Son Nhat to Phu Huu, part of which will run underground near Tan Son Nhat Airport.
At a press conference on Ho Chi Minh City's socio-economic situation on October 22, Vu Van Vinh, deputy head of the city's urban railway management board, provided an update on preparations for three metro projects. One of them is the first phase of Metro Line 6 from Tan Son Nhat to Phu Huu.
Underground Metro Line 6 option to be submitted to the prime minister
According to Vinh, part of the first phase of Metro Line 6 will run underground through the Tan Son Nhat International Airport area. The project involves military facilities and defense land.
To agree on the implementation plan, Ho Chi Minh City's urban railway management board began working with the Defense Ministry. In document No. 7804 dated October 16, 2026, the ministry broadly agreed with the project's investment policy and route.
On that basis, the board advised the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee to report to the prime minister and seek approval for the underground section through areas managed by military units. This would provide a basis for completing investment procedures and implementing the project under regulations.
At the same time, the board is working with relevant departments and consultants to complete the feasibility study, front-end engineering design, total investment estimate, environmental impact assessment and other related procedures.
Three metro projects targeted for approval in December 2026
Besides the first phase of Metro Line 6, two other projects are being prepared: the metro line from Binh Duong New City to Suoi Tien and the Thu Dau Mot – Ho Chi Minh City metro line.
All three projects have largely completed their interim reports. The main details of the routes, facility locations and technology plans have been determined.
For Metro Line 1 from Binh Duong New City to Suoi Tien, the Department of Planning and Architecture is advising the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee on approval of the route. The work is expected to be completed in October 2026.
Meanwhile, the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee approved the route for Metro Line 2 from Thu Dau Mot to Ho Chi Minh City in Decision No. 6569 dated October 3, 2026.
Alongside the investment documents, Ho Chi Minh City's urban railway management board is working with local authorities to review land boundaries and current land use. This is preparation for compensation, support, resettlement and site clearance.
Vinh said that in the remaining months of 2026, besides meeting the assigned capital disbursement plan, the board aims to disburse an additional VND3 trillion from funds reallocated by Ho Chi Minh City from remaining sources.
The additional funds are expected to focus mainly on compensation and site clearance for Metro Line 1, Metro Line 2 in the Binh Duong area and Metro Line 6. The aim is to prepare cleared land, hand it over for construction and begin work according to plan.
"The board aims to submit the projects to the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee for approval in December 2026, creating a basis for starting construction once all required conditions are met," Vinh said.
Sources: Thanh Niên
