Phu Quoc Light Rail Project Accelerates Towards Mid-2027 Trial Run Amid Geological and Weather Challenges

Construction on the light rail (LRT) project in Phu Quoc, Vietnam's southern resort island, is accelerating despite facing significant geological and weather-related challenges. The project, with a total investment of nearly VND 9,000 billion (approximately USD 350 million), aims for a trial run in June 2027. The 17.5 km line is designed to connect Phu Quoc International Airport with the APEC International Conference and Exhibition Center in the south, and construction began in late 2025. Currently, contractors are simultaneously implementing three main components: bridges, tunnels, and roadbeds. Approximately 28.7% of the total investment, or VND 1,800 billion, has been disbursed. In the bridge construction segment, all bored piles for the foundation have been completed, with the construction of pier bases and shafts progressing well. Roadbed excavation and preparation are nearly complete, with sand filling at 97% and soil filling at 79%. The next phase will involve constructing the road surface structure and technical infrastructure, contingent on stable material supply. However, the project is encountering difficulties due to Phu Quoc's unique geological and weather conditions. During the rainy season, many roadbed construction areas in the median strip are frequently flooded, impeding drainage and construction operations. For tunnels 1 and 2, hard rock layers have necessitated a shift from the original design of steel sheet pile driving to an open excavation method. This adjustment increases the risk of slope failures and requires continuous dewatering and debris removal to ensure safety and maintain the schedule. Furthermore, the project must address numerous intersections with existing infrastructure, such as power lines and the city's main water supply pipeline. To meet the deadline, the construction site operates continuously with nearly 600 engineers, supervisors, and workers engaged in three shifts daily. According to the plan, track installation will commence in late August, expanding to elevated and tunnel sections by October. In January-February 2027, the first trains will be brought to Phu Quoc for equipment installation and testing preparations. If the timeline is maintained, the entire system is expected to be largely completed for a trial run in June 2027, with commercial operations starting in August of the same year. The LRT is a key transportation project supporting the 2027 APEC meeting, with parallel progress on provincial road DT.975 and APEC Avenue, both slated for completion by April 30, 2027. Upon completion, the LRT is expected to reduce travel time from the airport to the southern island area to about 20 minutes, providing a new public transport option for international events and serving the travel needs of residents and tourists.