The Ho Chi Minh City Metro Line 1 (Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien), a 12-year project that broke ground in 2012, is nearing completion. This elevated and underground rail line spans almost 20 kilometers and carries a total investment of over VND 43,700 billion.
Upon completion, the metro line is expected to alleviate traffic congestion and transform the city’s urban landscape. The map illustrates the route of Metro Line 1 (Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien) and the location of the Long Binh Depot.
After multiple delays, the latest schedule indicates that the line will commence commercial operations by the end of this year.
All underground architectural works have been completed. The photo showcases the Ben Thanh underground station, featuring a lotus-shaped skylight as its architectural highlight.
Construction of the elevated stations and completion of the pedestrian bridges are in progress. These bridges provide direct access to the metro stations, offering convenience and serving as a primary escape route during emergencies.
The Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien Metro project has reached 98% completion. The Urban Railway Management Board and contractors are expediting the final stages of the project.
In August 2023, the Metro Line 1 conducted its first full-line trial run, covering a distance of nearly 40 kilometers. The train passed through a total of 14 stations (3 underground and 11 elevated) from Ben Thanh Station (District 1) to Suoi Tien Bus Station (Thu Duc City) and back. The photo shows the train passing through Van Thanh Station (Binh Thanh District).
The project includes 17 trains with 52 cars imported from Japan, all housed at the Long Binh Depot (Thu Duc City). As of August 2024, the operation buildings, main workshop, parking lot, sanitation station, tracks, and electrical and signaling systems are substantially complete.
The Long Binh Depot serves as the “brain” of Metro Line 1, responsible for train control, maintenance, and repair. All trains will return to this depot at the end of each day’s operation.
The Nhon – Ga Ha Noi Metro Line, which also underwent over a decade of construction, opened its doors to passengers on August 8. However, only the elevated section is operational, with the underground portion expected to be completed by 2027. Photo: Ngoc Dep.
Additionally, the Cat Linh – Ha Dong Railway, which began construction in 2011, has been operational for nearly three years. As of the end of 2023, the Cat Linh – Ha Dong trains have transported nearly 20 million passengers. Photo: Viet Hung.
