On January 3, CT Group Vietnam presented a ambitious proposal to the Vietnamese government for a high-speed rail line linking Ho Chi Minh City and Can Tho.
The plan, with an estimated cost of $9.98 billion, advocates for a public-private partnership to connect vital economic regions in Vietnam.
The Ho Chi Minh City to Can Tho line, spanning 174 km with a standard gauge of 1,435mm, envisions a dual-track, electrified railway incorporating 12 stations catering to both freight and passenger needs. Passing through six provinces—Binh Duong, Ho Chi Minh City, Long An, Tien Giang, Vinh Long, and Can Tho—the project aims to significantly improve connectivity in the region.
CT Group has partnered with international giants such as China Railway Engineering Design Group Corporation Limited, Power China, China Railway No.2 Group, and local firm Tedi South to form the CMEX alliance. This collaboration aims to secure financial support from prestigious institutions such as the World Bank, China Construction Bank, and the National Bank of China.
The CMEX consortium’s scope extends beyond transportation, with plans to revolutionize urban development around each station using the Green Transit-Oriented Development model. This involves creating distinct, modern urban zones within a 10,000-meter radius from each station, fostering commercial, residential, and high-tech agricultural sectors that reflect the unique character of the localities.
“A detailed feasibility study is on our agenda for the first half of 2024, with a commitment to realizing this project by 2032,” stated a spokesperson from CT Group, emphasizing the vision to blend technological innovation with sustainable urban development while reshaping Vietnam’s infrastructural landscape.
