Multimodal Logistics Infrastructure: Foundation for the Development of the New Ho Chi Minh City Megacity

Bien Hoa – Vung Tau Expressway, Ring Roads 3 & 4: The Transportation Lifelines of the Interurban Region

The Bien Hoa – Vung Tau expressway spans nearly 54 km with an investment capital of VND 17.8–22 trillion, featuring 4–6 lanes and a design speed of 100 km/h. The section through the former BRVT is 19.5 km long, currently under accelerated construction, and expected to be operational across the entire route by 2026–2027. This road will reduce travel time from HCMC to Vung Tau to approximately 70 minutes and significantly ease congestion on National Highway 51.

The expressways will also stimulate investment distribution along the corridor, from industrial real estate to services and coastal tourism, opening up development opportunities for smaller cities along the route.

Bien Hoa – Vung Tau Railway: Backbone for Bulk Freight Transport

The 132 km railway passes through the former Binh Duong, Dong Nai, and BRVT. It is designed as a double-track, electrified railway with speeds up to 160 km/h. With 17 main stations, 4 port stations, and 3 depots, the project has a total investment of approximately USD 6.1 billion.

The line is divided into two segments: Bien Hoa - Thi Vai and Thi Vai – Vung Tau. Once completed, a significant amount of cargo will shift from road to rail, reducing pressure on the existing road network and easing congestion in coastal urban areas. Its connection to the Cai Mep Ha logistics hub will allow efficient cargo movement into the new HCMC and facilitate exports at optimal cost and time.

Moreover, the railway will support urban development along its route, enabling the rollout of urban utilities and logistics services that cater to communities based on a modern, multimodal urban model.

Cai Mep Ha Logistics Hub – Strategic Link to Long Thành

Its spatial layout is well-planned: the seaport operations area is close to rail lines and the seaport, the auxiliary industrial zone is adjacent to storage facilities, and multi-industry logistics services are integrated. Synchronization across road, rail, waterway, and air connections reduces transit times, optimizes costs, and enhances the competitiveness of Vietnamese goods on international markets.

The center is also expected to be a testing ground for green and high-tech industrial models – combining training, automation trials, and next-generation supply chain management. This not only supports export cargo vessels but also contributes significantly to the national economic restructuring program.

Cai Mep – Can Gio Waterway and Inter-port System

The Can Gio Bridge and the waterway project connecting Cai Mep – Thi Vai to the international transshipment port in Can Gio (covering 571 ha with over VND 50 trillion in investment) are under rapid development. The port’s expected capacity is 4.8 million TEU by 2030 and will approach 16.9 million TEU by 2047.

Operation of the inland waterway will greatly reduce transport costs for goods moving through the new HCMC and relieve pressure on its internal road network. Can Gio Port is set to become a regional transshipment node, linking the former BRVT, Bình Dương, and other areas nationwide.

The integration of deep-sea ports (Cai Mep), international transshipment ports (Can Gio), Long Thành Airport, and regional rail and road systems will create a multidimensional logistics mega-cluster – laying the groundwork for a versatile, efficient megacity.

The multimodal logistics model in the former Ba Ria – Vung Tau, following its merger with the former Bình Dương, has established a modern, synchronized interregional infrastructure system for the new HCMC. The integration of highways, railways, waterways, seaports, airports, and logistics centers has laid a solid foundation for a green – efficient – comprehensive development strategy. This is not only a strategic move in socio-economic development but also a reflection of a sustainable regional development governance vision. With its comprehensive logistics network, the new HCMC is aiming to become Vietnam’s leading logistics and supply chain center, on par with international hubs in the future.

By Le Minh