{"data":{"news":{"items":[{"title":"Sun Group unveils five landmark projects across Vietnam","date":"2026-01-19 11:55:44","id":6150,"author":"","blurb":"","blurb_image_uid":"https://dxfpracgmlczp.cloudfront.net/2026/01/1768794987036_AD_4nXfXtMlNp3UwjDAzziA-LFpi74caowy2mB3dxRz82EiKKUJqT1Y61rjd0MxPKEvfla8Pstg73bWKVpZ5EMLhwqQ1gHSSZwI5O_W-vTTcsIAydf0KBXG5nW2cW59lTDJK3tijX3kA1QdSerJgw8LtH4eRnHM copy.jpg","blurb_expanded_image_uid":null,"article":"\n\t\n\n\n

Vietnam-based developer Sun Group has unveiled five large-scale projects across the country, located in three regions, with a total investment of nearly US$5.7 billion.

\n\n

Phu Quoc LRT system

\n\n

Phase I of the Phu Quoc light rail transit (LRT) project has a total investment of approximately US$342 million. It plays an important role in transforming Phu Quoc into an international tourism, service and events hub. According to Sun Group, the project will also make Phu Quoc the first locality in Vietnam to operate an urban LRT system.

\n\n

The LRT line is nearly 18 km long, designed for operating speeds of 70–100 km/hr and a transport capacity of 4,500 passengers per hour. The route includes 0.78 km of elevated track, 14.81 km at ground level and 2 km underground, directly connecting Phu Quoc International Airport with the APEC Boulevard and leading straight to the APEC Convention Centre.

\n\n

There will be six stations, featuring five ground-level stations and one underground station at the APEC Convention Centre. Scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 2027, the project is expected to help ease traffic pressure, promote a shift towards green public transport, and enhance Phu Quoc’s image as a modern and smart destination approaching regional and international standards.

\n\n

Casino tourism complex in Van Don

\n\n

Covering a total area of 244.45 ha in the Van Don Economic Zone, with a total investment of up to US$2 billion, this project aims to develop a premium integrated resort and entertainment complex with gaming (under a pilot scheme allowing Vietnamese participation). Key activities involve casino operations, tourism services, hotels, resorts, condotels and commercial townhouses, shopping centres, office buildings, conference and exhibition facilities, sports complexes, entertainment venues, and high-quality healthcare and wellness services.

\n\n

Beyond its casino component, the project integrates tourism, resort and service activities to form a closed ecosystem targeting international visitors as well as Vietnam’s growing middle- and upper-income segments. The complex is also expected to host large-scale international art performances and vibrant day-and-night entertainment activities, with the ambition of positioning Van Don as a destination with appeal comparable to Macau or Las Vegas.

\n\n

Gia Binh Airport–Hanoi road

\n\n

Once completed, this new road will create the shortest and most modern connection from Gia Binh Airport to central Hanoi, said Sun Group. It will help ease pressure on the Noi Bai International Airport and open up new socio-economic development space for the capital’s gateway area. The total investment for this project is approximately US$1.25 billion.

\n\n

The route will pass through Hanoi and Bac Ninh province, with a cross-section width of up to 120 m. The total length within Hanoi is about 13.55 km, including newly built sections and expanded sections overlapping existing routes, along with connecting branches linking to the approach roads of Tu Lien Bridge.

\n\n

To Lich River park redevelopment

\n\n

The project to renovate, upgrade and redevelop parks along both banks of the To Lich River in Hanoi has a total investment of around US$177 million. It will upgrade road surfaces, pavements, squares, pedestrian walkways, cycling paths, parking areas, playgrounds and sports facilities, forming a continuous system of public spaces that are safe and aesthetically pleasing.

\n\n

At the same time, architectural highlights such as artistic pedestrian bridges, boat piers, observation decks, exhibition spaces, and café and restaurant services will be developed. The project will also add layers of shade trees, aquatic plants and green areas, contributing to environmental improvement, erosion control and the restoration of the To Lich River ecosystem.

\n\n

An Tay project cluster

\n\n

Located in Tay Nam and Phu An wards of Ho Chi Minh City, the An Tay cluster of four projects aims to establish a modern urban-port centre. It covers a total area of 724 ha, with a total investment of approximately US$1.95 billion.

\n\n

The project cluster occupies a strategic location connecting major transport corridors, including Ring Road 4, the DT.744 Provincial route, a future urban railway line and the Saigon River waterway. This network is expected to strengthen connectivity between Ho Chi Minh City and neighbouring localities such as former Binh Duong, Dong Nai and Long An, while creating conditions for the development of regional logistics and river-based tourism.

\n\n

Each urban area within the cluster features its own distinct characteristics. Bac An Tay is positioned as a modern architectural focal point with landmark high-rise buildings; Dong An Tay is oriented towards an ecological urban area with a high proportion of green space and diversified housing; Tay An Tay leverages riverside advantages with large-scale landscape parks.

\n\n

Notably, An Tay General Port is designed to serve as the economic driver of the entire cluster, connecting key inland waterway routes and contributing to strengthening regional economic linkages and enhancing the area’s position on the Southern logistics map.

\n\n

All images: Sun Group

\n\n\n","article_image_uid":"https://dxfpracgmlczp.cloudfront.net/2026/01/1768795000291_AD_4nXdHeT-SJ6wYD6k_Gth8AmIMokVrpjP-FS9FqH1iJkZ0v3u41sBz_v08hV5ipwEhPfSd4vCHN_zkN_wRVFYYuk1zjwmXAUDNDWOU6lEg4LlaM1SdwMmdCCw4u1ePIM0Dx8IUihHtuRmx91y8V7O8PTNGfQY copy.jpg","article_expanded_image_uid":null,"article_image_caption":"Phu Quoc is set to become Vietnam’s first destination with an urban LRT system. The line will be nearly 18 km long, designed for a transport capacity of 4,500 passengers per hour.","publications":"7","tags":"Vietnam,commercial,road construction,urban development,light rail transit,Sun Group","category":"Projects"},{"title":"Manila LRT-1 Cavite Extension Phase 1 opens; Philippine gov’t promises to strengthen rail transport system","date":"2024-12-14 09:19:52","id":5671,"author":"","blurb":"","blurb_image_uid":"https://dxfpracgmlczp.cloudfront.net/2024/12/1734074613327_LRT-1-Cavite-Extension-Phase-1-ready-to-serve-passengers-on-November-16_photo1.jpg","blurb_expanded_image_uid":null,"article":"\n\t\n\n\n

Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) has officially opened Phase 1 of the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) Cavite Extension project. The inauguration ceremony took place on 15 November 2024 at the LRT-1 Dr. Santos (formerly Sucat) Station in Paranaque City, attended by Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

\n\n

The new rail line started its commercial operation on 16 November, incorporating five new stations: Redemptorist – Aseana, Manila International Airport (MIA) Road, Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX), Ninoy Aquino Avenue and Dr. Santos.

\n\n

LRMC, together with Bouygues Travaux Publics as the engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor, commenced the civil works for the LRT-1 Cavite Extension project in September 2019.

\n\n

With the completion of Phase 1, the LRT-1 line has been extended from 20.7 km (with 20 stations) to 27 km. It covers five cities, namely Quezon City, Caloocan, Manila, Pasay and Paranaque. When fully completed, the entire line will feature 32.4 km in length with a total of 28 stations.

\n\n

The LRT-1 extension is an important public-private partnership (PPP) project in the Philippines, which aims to significantly improve connectivity to the south of Metro Manila. It will also decongest major thoroughfares in the area by servicing an additional 80,000 passengers to LRT-1’s daily ridership of 323,000.

\n\n

Long-term commitment

\n\n

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, President Marcos said the LRT-1 Cavite Extension “has been a long time in the making – spanning five administrations, starting with President Estrada, to President Arroyo, President Aquino, President Duterte, and now, to mine.”

\n\n

He pointed out that the government should leverage the Public Service Act to remove the 40% cap on foreign investment in railways to attract foreign investments in the transport sector. He further mentioned that the PPP hybrid model on this project serves as a template for future investments.

\n\n

President Marcos also recognised that some of the ongoing transport projects may not be completed under his leadership as these long-term endeavours extend beyond administrations. “This is the nature of railway development and of any large-scale development; this is not a short-term endeavour. It requires patience, persistence, and passion and commitment that extends beyond immediate timelines,” he said.

\n\n

Various key railway projects are currently being undertaken by the government. These include the Unified Grand Central Station, Metro Manila Subway Project, MRT-7, North-South Commuter Railway, MRT-4, and the Philippine National Railways South Long Haul, among others.

\n\n

“Our journey towards a more seamless and modernised public transportation system does not end here,” affirmed President Marcos, highlighting the importance of having reliable and efficient rail networks in the country. “We are committed to building station after station, reaching as far and as fast as our people’s needs dictate.”

\n\n

All images: Light Rail Manila Corporation

\n\n

*Below is a video of the project during construction.

\n\n

\n\n\n","article_image_uid":"https://dxfpracgmlczp.cloudfront.net/2024/12/1734074674489_LRT-1-Cavite-Extension-Phase-1-ready-to-serve-passengers-on-November-16_photo1.jpg","article_expanded_image_uid":null,"article_image_caption":"President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. speaking at the LRT-1 Cavite Extension Phase 1 opening ceremony.","publications":"7","tags":"railway,Philippines,light rail transit,LRT-1","category":"Projects"},{"title":"SMEC celebrates inauguration of Indonesia’s new Jabodebek LRT system","date":"2023-09-28 06:17:08","id":4877,"author":"","blurb":"","blurb_image_uid":"https://dxfpracgmlczp.cloudfront.net/2023/09/1695864554407_6. Jabodebek_Maneuver track.jpg","blurb_expanded_image_uid":null,"article":"\n\t\n\n\n

Officially inaugurated by Indonesian President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo, the new Jabodebek light rail transit (LRT) system comprises 18 stations, a depot and 43.3 km of track across two lines.

\n\n

SMEC, as part of the Oriental Consultants team, performed the role of supervision consultant throughout the construction phase. The team’s expertise helped to ensure that the project was completed to the highest standards incorporating cutting-edge technology and world-class engineering solutions.

\n\n

Karen Atkinson, SMEC chief operating officer for Southeast Asia, said, “Jabodebek LRT is an immensely complex rail project constructed through some of the most congested areas of Jakarta. SMEC and our partners, together with building contractor Adhi Karya, are immensely proud of the outcome. Together we have delivered an integrated suite of rail systems, engineered to increase service capacity, guard safety, enhance customer experience, and streamline operations.”

\n\n

A notable feature of the project is the U-shape girder system used to construct the viaducts, shared SMEC. The slim shape has proved to be an elegant and cost-effective solution, saving space in the dense urban surroundings. Prefabrication made it easier to build the viaducts. Their shape also helps to distribute the force of an earthquake more evenly.

\n\n

SMEC further revealed that one of its key considerations was to oversee the implementation of a reliable automation and communication system. This system, known as Grade of Automation Level 3, transmits information between the train control system, the signalling system, and the safety systems. The automatic train control system will control the speed and movement of the driverless trains, which will help to improve safety and efficiency.

\n\n

“The Jabodebek LRT is a testament to the power of partnership and collaboration. The Indonesian government worked together with global experts Oriental Consultants and SMEC, as well as other partners, to create a project that is both safe and efficient. Our collaborative culture helped us to identify and mitigate risks, ensuring that the project will be a success for years to come,” said Habibie Razak, SMEC regional manager for Indonesia.

\n\n

Having commenced construction in September 2015, Jabodebek LRT symbolises Indonesia’s commitment to modern infrastructure. Set to carry up to 500,000 passengers per day, the new LRT provides a comfortable, efficient mode of transportation, enhancing connectivity between communities. The new service deploys 31 trains, with a capacity to accommodate up to 1,300 passengers per trip. It connects a main business district in central Jakarta with the cities of Depok and Bekasi in West Java province.

\n\n

All images: SMEC

\n\n

Note: This is the first phase of Jabodebek LRT. When fully completed, the line will connect central Jakarta with the cities of Bogor, Depok and Bekasi (Jabodebek). Learn more about SMEC’s involvement in the project here.

\n\n\n","article_image_uid":"https://dxfpracgmlczp.cloudfront.net/2023/09/1695827144172_6. Jabodebek_Maneuver track.jpg","article_expanded_image_uid":null,"article_image_caption":"The development of Jabodebek LRT symbolises Indonesia’s commitment to modern infrastructure. The new line features a length of about 43 km.","publications":"7","tags":"railway,Indonesia,SMEC,light rail transit,Jabodebek LRT,LRT","category":"Projects"}],"pageInfo":{"hasNextPage":false,"hasPreviousPage":false,"totalCount":3,"totalPages":0,"currentIndex":0}}}}