Hello from Ho Chi Minh City, where hard lockdown continues. I’ve been housebound for most of the last three weeks, so this week’s construction update is from photos and notes I’ve taken this year. I would have liked to have waited a year between the 2020 update, but I figured should get this year’s update out the door.

My plan for these construction updates is to feature the major cities of Southeast Asia every year, creating an archive of construction history. With the Delta variant of COVID-19 causing havoc across Southeast Asia, I don’t expect any more 2021 editions.

In my brief walks to get supplies, I noticed that some construction sites were still operating, though I don’t know how long that will last. Construction sites have been virus hotspots in the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand, so I can’t see how Vietnam will continue to keep construction sites covid-free.

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Ho Chi Minh City construction update – 2021 edition

Updated Posts

Laos

Phonhong Station complete along Laos-China Railway

"The station is located in Phonhong, some 70 kilometers north of Vientiane Capital. It has a maximum capacity of 300 passengers, with a total area of 1,500 square meters."

Added to China-Laos railway

Malaysia

Bandar Malaysia revival hinges on sustainable economic recovery

“Property analysts believe the Bandar Malaysia project could resume once there is a clear path to sustainable economic recovery to support new demand and expansion of existing businesses.”

Added to Bandar Malaysia

Philippines

DOTr vows railway partially operational before mid-2022

Added to Mindanao Railway Project

Thailand

Hi-speed rail work delayed over curbs

"The government's ban on moving construction workers during the latest Covid-19 uptick has adversely impacted the progress of the Thai-Chinese high-speed rail project, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) said on Tuesday."

Added to Bangkok–Nong Khai high-speed railway

Bang Sue plan gets no bids

“The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has shelved its planned development of commercial space covering 32 rai of land at Bang Sue Grand Station after no private companies submitted bids for the project.”

Added to Bang Sue Grand Station

Vietnam

Thủ Thiêm 2 Bridge to open to traffic next year

Added to Thu Thiem 2 Bridge

Other News

Asia

After years of Chinese influence, U.S. tries to renew ties in Southeast Asia

“Lloyd J. Austin III, the American defense secretary, became the first high-ranking official in the Biden administration to travel to a region that has long received close attention from Beijing.”

Cambodia

Construction on tallest structure starts post-Covid

“Construction of Thai Boon Roong Group’s ambitious more-than-$3-billion twin commercial skyscraper project in central Phnom Penh will begin when Covid-19 ends, according to Thai Boon Roong Architectural Co Ltd director Tous Saphoeun.

Slated to have a stunning total height of 567m, the 133-storey colossus will be Southeast Asia’s tallest building – standing 115m taller than the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur – and offer scenic views of the Cambodian capital.”

Covid crisis forces shelving of four regional airports

Gov’t presses forward with new roads for Sihanoukville

Indonesia

Indonesia’s Gorontalo road runs into forest, swerves environmental checks

“A troubled road project bisecting forests and mountains in Indonesia’s northern Gorontalo province has not complied with environmental checks required by law, according to interviews with local officials, prosecutors and environmental researchers.”

Laos

How making travel easier will change Laos tourism: new road and railway will draw more mainstream visitors, but will adventure seekers be put off?

Vientiane Logistics Park project prepares for soft opening, linking with Laos-China railway

Malaysia

Vaccination phase 2 for Malaysia's construction industry begins 5 August 2021

Philippines

ADB $1.75-B loan for south rail project up for board approval

“The Asian Development Bank (ADB) said it is scheduled to approve a $1.75-billion loan for the South Commuter Railway project, which will connect Tondo, Manila and Calamba, Laguna, by the fourth quarter.”

DOTR: LRT Line 1 Cavite extension project hit 57% construction progress as of June 30

Philippines, Japan ink P115.8 billion financing for Metro Manila subway

Singapore

About 960 cases of kickback offences investigated a year by Manpower Ministry

Paradoxically, COVID-19 is helping Singapore Airlines become even stronger

Thailand

Making a push for green cover

“Online forum argues that better policies and unique partnerships are needed to solve the dearth of parks in Bangkok.”

Vietnam

Hanoi to spend VND500 billion to inspect old apartments

Inter-Mekong Delta expressway to be shortened

VTN designs 9-meter-tall vaulted bamboo ceiling for casamia community house in vietnam

Future Southeast Asia

Ho Chi Minh City construction report