Vietnam officially opens first line of Ho Chi Minh City Metro Rail Project

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (Metro Rail Today): Ho Chi Minh City has officially launched its first metro line, marking a historic milestone for urban transportation in Vietnam’s economic capital. After months of anticipation, the metro line opened to the public on December 22, 2024, providing a much-needed solution to the city's notorious traffic congestion.

The inaugural metro line spans 19.7 kilometers, connecting Ben Thanh Market to Suoi Tien Theme Park, and features 14 stations—three underground and 11 elevated. This project, a collaboration between Vietnam and Japan, is seen as a transformative step in modernizing Ho Chi Minh City’s public transport system.

A Milestone for Vietnam's Economic Hub

The metro line is part of a broader vision to build a total of eight metro lines, covering 220 kilometers, which will reshape how residents and visitors navigate Ho Chi Minh City. Planning for the metro system began in the early 2000s, and construction started in 2012 after Japan pledged £1.2 billion in loans to cover 85% of the £1.4 billion project cost. Hitachi supplied 17 three-car trains, each with a capacity of 930 passengers, while Systra provided consultancy for design, safety, and testing.

While the project faced significant hurdles, including funding disputes, land acquisition challenges, and delays, the completion of the metro line is being celebrated as a triumph of perseverance. “This is a symbol of modernization,” said a government spokesperson, adding that Line 1 represents Vietnam’s first fully integrated metro system with advanced safety and operational standards.

A Game-Changer for Urban Mobility

For Ho Chi Minh City's 9 million residents, the metro offers a welcome alternative to the heavily congested streets dominated by motorbikes and buses. The metro line is expected to serve 170,000 passengers daily in its first year, with projections rising to 635,000 by 2035. The service significantly reduces travel time between the city center and the eastern districts, with fares starting at just £0.30.

Systra’s project director, Pierre-Yves Martin, described the metro line as “a game-changer for sustainable transport,” highlighting features such as energy-efficient trains and accessibility for disabled passengers. Additionally, the metro promises to bring environmental benefits by reducing the city's reliance on fossil fuel-powered vehicles, further contributing to its sustainability goals.

Looking Ahead: Line 2 and Beyond

With the success of Line 1, attention now turns to the next phase of the metro expansion. Line 2, a new 11.2-kilometer route from Ben Thanh to Tham Luong, is scheduled to begin construction in 2026. While funding remains a challenge, the success of Line 1 has provided a boost of optimism for officials who are hopeful about the future of the city’s metro system.

Ho Chi Minh City’s first metro line stands as a beacon of progress, offering a glimpse of a future where the city is better connected, less congested, and more sustainable. With this milestone, the city is stepping into a new era of modern urban transport that will benefit residents and visitors alike for years to come.