HCMC – The Institute for Regional and Urban Studies (IRUS) has proposed building the HCMC-Can Tho rail line along the HCMC Beltway No. 3 to optimize land use and cut costs.

The railway project is planned to be built along the HCMC Beltway No. 2, with land clearance costing 2.5-3 times higher than the proposed adjustment, IRUS said in a statement.

IRUS, a member the HCMC Union of Science and Technology Associations, recommended moving a section of the railway away from densely-populated residential areas in HCMC and neighboring Binh Duong Province.

The adjustment is expected to promote urbanization along the rail line based on the transit-oriented development model.

However, experts were concerned that changing the line direction would be difficult due to the impact on other infrastructure constructions slated in the regional development planning.

In addition, work on the HCMC Beltway No. 3 project will shortly begin in June. Its land clearance phase, which is already underway, can be carried out just once.

The experts plan to work with the appropriate agencies on the proposal.