Binh Duong partners with Japanese firm to develop light rail transit project
Representatives of the People's Committee and the Department of Construction of the southern province of Binh Duong and Japan’s Tokyu Corporation had a working session on June 17 to discuss cooperation in developing a light rail transit (LRT) system in Thu Dau Mot city.
The provincial Department of Construction reported that the provincial People’s Committee had established a dedicated task force to study LRT system development.
The unit has coordinated with relevant agencies and localities, and Tokyu to conduct surveys, gather data, and assess current conditions to support planning and propose a modern and sustainable public transport system.
According to Tokyu, the initiative to develop a LRT system in Binh Duong was approved by the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) in the third quarter last year.
The research project, with the funding of JPY100 million (nearly US$689,000), covers key areas including a new LRT system, green industrial zones, renewable energy planning, and a TOD (transit-oriented development) smart city model. It aims to build a green growth zone in Binh Duong.
The construction department also sought the committee's in-principle approval for the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Tokyu to formalise cooperation during the planning research and development of the LRT system.
Under the proposal, the partnership will focus on studying and recommending LRT routes that connect the city’s transport network with urban development zones, industrial parks, and TOD areas. The research will cover Thu Dau Mot city and surrounding areas, with completion scheduled before August 15, 2025.
The department said it has supported traffic surveys and data collection to serve the initiative. Basic data has been analsysed by experts from Tokyu and Nippon Koei. Once the report is completed and approved by the provincial People’s Committee, the proposed LRT routes will be integrated into Binh Duong’s master plan as a basis for calling for future investment.
Cooperation with Tokyu, a company with extensive experience in developing public transport systems in Japan, is expected to help realise Binh Duong’s goal of building modern and eco-friendly transport infrastructure, towards building a smart and sustainable city there in the time to come.
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Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attended the year-beginning launch of forces for the upgrade of the Nha Trang - Saigon rail route at Thap Cham Station in the south-central province of Ninh Thuan on January 26.
