Landmark Milestone Reached for Hanoi’s $1.3 Billion Metro Line After 15 Years of Anticipation

According to the Hanoi People’s Committee, TBM1 commenced operations from station S9 (Kim Mã) on July 30, 2024. After over a year of continuous tunneling through complex geological conditions, this “giant drill” successfully passed through four underground stations: S9 (Kim Mã), S10 (Cát Linh), S11 (Văn Miếu), and S12 (Hanoi Station), marking the completion of its assigned tunneling segment. This section lies beneath an area with a high density of structures, demanding exceptionally high standards in construction techniques and safety measures.

Meanwhile, TBM2, the project’s second tunneling machine, is accelerating work on the remaining tunnel section and is nearing station S11. As of December 1, 2023, 3,395 out of 3,495 tunnel lining rings have been installed, ensuring a steady supply to maintain optimal tunneling speeds for both TBMs.

Notably, throughout the underground construction process, an advanced monitoring system has been continuously activated to track ground movements, surface subsidence, and impacts on adjacent structures. These metrics enable contractors to promptly implement solutions, ensuring absolute safety for buildings, historical sites, and existing infrastructure—a critical requirement when working in an old urban center.

The completion of tunneling through four underground stations is considered a significant milestone, resolving the most challenging phase of the project. This progress also signals a positive step toward the operational launch of Metro Line 3, meeting the long-awaited expectations of Hanoi residents.

The Nhổn – Hanoi Station metro line spans 12.5 km, featuring 8 elevated stations and 4 underground stations, forming a vital connection between western Hanoi and the city center.

With a total investment of over 30 trillion VND, the project began in 2010. It includes an 8.5 km elevated section (Nhổn – Cầu Giấy) and a 4 km underground section (Cầu Giấy – Hanoi Station). The elevated segment has been operational since August 8, 2024, while the underground section is under construction, slated for completion in 2027.

Once fully operational, the Nhổn – Hanoi Station metro line will revolutionize urban transportation. Each train can carry between 944 and 1,124 passengers, reaching a maximum speed of 80 km/h and an average operating speed of 35 km/h. Beyond faster travel, the line is expected to alleviate traffic congestion, reduce pollution, and lay the foundation for a modern public transport system in Hanoi for decades to come.