Update on Ho Chi Minh City’s First Metro Line
The Management Authority for Urban Railways of Ho Chi Minh City (MAUR) has recently submitted a proposal to the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, requesting an extension for the completion of the first metro line project (Bến Thành – Suối Tiên) to the second quarter of 2025. Despite being operational since December 22, 2024, there are still several auxiliary items pending completion.
A bird’s-eye view of Tân Cảng Station on the first metro line – Photo: NGỌC QUÝ
According to MAUR, the first metro line is a Group A project with a total investment of over VND 43,757 billion. As of now, the cumulative disbursement has reached approximately 74.7%. The main items have been conditionally accepted and put into commercial operation, serving over 5 million passengers. However, there are still some pending items, such as Package CP4 (information technology system for the O&M building) and the construction of the operation and maintenance office building, which are expected to be completed by June 2025.
Regarding Package CP4, MAUR reported that it has achieved about 90% of the contract volume. The progress has been delayed due to late site handover and challenges in system integration with Hitachi, the main contractor.
Meanwhile, the construction of the O&M building, undertaken by Thai Son Corporation, has also reached about 90% completion but faces technical and material-related issues, especially with the central control system, imported equipment, and fire protection and escape items.
In addition, the project implementation has encountered disputes and complaints related to timelines, late site handovers, and legal and procedural matters. MAUR is currently negotiating and mediating to resolve these issues in the second quarter of 2025, in close coordination with relevant departments and authorized agencies.
MAUR assures that the extension of the completion timeline will not affect the total investment of the project, and the necessary funds have been allocated in the 2025 public investment plan. The main contracts have been completed, and the contractors are now carrying out warranty, defect repair, and operation support as per the contract. The acceptance and payment processes will be carried out once the remaining items are finalized.
MAUR proposes that the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee approve the extension of the completion timeline to the second quarter of 2025 to provide a legal basis for acceptance and payment while ensuring stable, safe, and efficient operations for the first metro line in the next phase.
The Trans-Vietnam Oil Scandal: Higher Prosecutor’s Office Accepts All Seven Defendants’ Appeals
On May 8th, the People’s Court of Ho Chi Minh City continued the appellate trial for a case that took place at the oil company, Xuyên Việt Oil.
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