Breakthrough development from traffic infrastructure connectivity

Binh Duong has identified infrastructure development, particularly in regional traffic connectivity as one of its strategic breakthroughs and a key priority for socio-economic advancement. The province is actively investing in several major traffic projects with regional linkages which are expected to generate significant momentum for economic and social development in the new phase.

Railway connectivity development

In recent years, Binh Duong has prioritized synchronous investment and planning in the local traffic infrastructure system. This includes the expansion of key arterial roads that connect to vital economic zones, industrial parks, tourist areas and logistics hubs. These efforts aim at strengthening regional connectivity, boosting trade, tourism and improving supply chain efficiency. As part of the provincial planning for the 2021–2030 period, with a vision to 2050, Binh Duong has outlined comprehensive strategies to complete its transport infrastructure network. For the national railway system, the province is implementing plans in accordance with the National Railway Network Development Plan for 2021–2030, with a vision to 2050, as approved by the Prime Minister. Binh Duong is studying the addition of a new Bau Bang – Moc Bai railway line, which would connect to the Ho Chi Minh City – Loc Ninh railway. Another proposed project gets involved in building a railway connecting the Central Highlands provinces with the Ho Chi Minh City – Tay Ninh line.  Regarding urban railways, the province is conducting feasibility studies for the development of 12 metro lines. Among them, there are Line 1 from Binh Duong New City to Suoi Tien; Line 1B from Tan Dong Hiep via An Binh Station to Go Dua Intersection in Ho Chi Minh City; Line 2 from Thu Dau Mot City to Binh Phuoc Intersection in Ho Chi Minh City and Line 3 from Tan Uyen City to Go Dua Intersection. These initiatives reflect Binh Duong’s proactive vision in building a modern and interconnected transport system that supports regional integration and long-term sustainable growth.

At its 22nd thematic session, provincial People's Council reviewed and approved a project on mobilizing resources for the development of Urban Railway Line No. 1, connecting Binh Duong New City with Suoi Tien in Ho Chi Minh city. According to Nguyen Thanh Toan, Director of provincial Department of Finance, this project is line with the orientation of the national railway development strategy adjusted to 2020, with a vision to 2050, as well as with Binh Duong's provincial planning for the 2021–2030 period. The primary objectives of the project are to ease traffic congestion, integrate railway traffic with urban development, enhance national defense and security, protect the environment and realize strategic planning goals for the traffic and railway systems while promoting regional socio-economic growth.

Accordingly, the line will begin at Station SI, located at the Central Station of Binh Duong New City in Thu Dau Mot city’s Hoa Phu ward and end at Suoi Tien Bus Station on the Line 1 of the urban railway network of Ho Chi Minh City and Binh Thang ward in Di An city. The main route spans 32.43 kilometers, passing through four cities: Tan Uyen, Thu Dau Mot, Thuan An and Di An. It is designed for the speed of up to 120 kilometers per hour, featuring 19 stations and one depot located in Tan Uyen city’s Phu Chanh ward. The elevated route begins at the Central Station of Binh Duong New City, which connects to the national railway line between Ho Chi Minh city and Loc Ninh. It follows Hung Vuong road to its intersection with DX.01, then continues along DX.01 to the My Phuoc – Tan Van expressway, passes Binh Chuan junction and runs in parallel with the Ho Chi Minh City – Loc Ninh and Trang Bom – Hoa Hung railway lines until it reaches Suoi Tien Station. The route connects Binh Duong New City, Thuan An City, Di An City with Suoi Tien tourist area and together with metro line No. 1 (Suoi Tien - Ben Thanh) of Ho Chi Minh City, it forms up an urban railway line of the region (Binh Duong New City - Suoi Tien - Ben Thanh).

The preliminary total investment for the entire project is approximately VND 64,370 billion for the option 1. Of the total figure, the estimated provincial budget contribution is VND 28,109 billion, funding from the urban development model based on public transport-oriented development (TOD) is VND 23,387 billion and central support is VND 12,874 billion. For the Option 2, the investment from the A1 roundabout (Binh Duong New City) to Suoi Tien, without investing in a depot in Tan Uyen City, but using the Long Binh depot in Ho Chi Minh City, the preliminary total investment is approximately VND 56,301 billion. Of the total figure, the estimated provincial budget contribution is VND 21,654 billion, funding from the TOD development model is VND 23,387 billion and central support is VND 11,260 billion.

As for the implementation timeline, the project is expected to be submitted to the National Assembly in May 2025. Approval for the investment policy is anticipated between June and July 2025. Commencement for construction is planned for 2027, with project completion and operation targeted for 2031.

Riverside road construction to boost development

At the recent 22nd (specialized) session of provincial People's Council, a resolution was approved on the investment policy for the construction project of the Saigon Riverside Road, spanning from National Highway 13 (near Vinh Binh canal) to Vinh Phu 40 street. According to Nguyen Anh Minh, Director of provincial Department of Construction, Thuan An city is located within a dynamic economic zone and holds a geographically strategic position in Binh Duong’s socio-economic development strategy. However, the area along the Saigon River in Thuan An city’s Vinh Phu ward has not yet developed to its full potential, due to inadequate traffic infrastructure, which has hindered economic growth and slowed urbanization in the area. Therefore, it is essential to build a modern urban road through this area to connect local roads with the provincial and national road networks while also linking various parts of the city. This will help leverage the advantages of the riverside location and unlock the inherent potential of the region. The Saigon Riverside Road is expected to become one of the province’s key traffic routes for regional connectivity and will play a vital role in promoting Binh Duong's socio-economic development.

The total estimated investment for this project is approximately VND 4,942.610 billion from provincial State budget and other legal funding sources. The project will be divided into two sub-projects: including the project to clear the Saigon River road from National Highway 13 (near Vinh Binh canal) to Vinh Phu 40 road, preparing for investment and implementation of the project in the period of 2025 - 2027; the project to build the Saigon River road from National Highway 13 (near Vinh Binh canal) to Vinh Phu 40 road with the investment preparation roadmap for the period of 2025 - 2026 and project implementation for the period of 2026 - 2030.

Binh Duong will prioritize capital, promptly remove difficulties, strive to speed up the progress of important projects, create breakthroughs in economic development and regional connectivity. With the spirit of proactive investment in infrastructure construction, Binh Duong is increasingly completing the local traffic infrastructure system, creating a driving force and potential to attract domestic and foreign investment to promote socio-economic development and improve the quality of people’s life.

Dr. Le Xuan Thanh, Scientific Secretary of the Central Theoretical Council emphasized: “Binh Duong has successfully established a strong foundation in infrastructure, accompanied by ample space for further development. This is a valuable achievement of the province's planning and implementation process. The province’s infrastructure is being completed with increasingly high quality. To enhance regional economic connectivity, Binh Duong should consider developing a regional railway traffic system in the Southeastern region”.

According to provincial Planning for the 2021–2030 period, with a vision to 2050, Binh Duong’s traffic system must be developed in a unified, logical, synchronous, modern and environmentally friendly manner. It must be also in line with national and regional development strategies. In this context, the province gives priority to expanding inter-provincial traffic connections.

Reported by Phuong Le-Translated by Kim Tin