Racing to the Finish Line: The Thrilling Journey of Metro Line 1 from Ben Thanh to Suoi Tien

Parking lots, bus stops, and pedestrian bridges are being rushed to completion to facilitate passenger connectivity when Metro Line 1 (Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien) commences commercial operations by the end of 2024.

Countdown to September 15

In mid-August 2024, along Vo Nguyen Giap Street in Thu Duc City, we observed construction teams working diligently to finalize parking lots for Metro Line 1.

At the nearly 1,000-square-meter parking lot near Thao Dien Station, what was once a construction site with excavated foundations just two months ago has now taken shape. Similarly, the parking lot at the nearby Van Thanh Station is 80% complete.

Mr. Pham Vuong Bao, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Public Transport Management Center, shared that to enhance accessibility and connectivity between bus routes and Metro Line 1 stations, the Center has invested in two main components with a budget of VND 93 billion. These components include five personal parking lots located along the stations on Vo Nguyen Giap Street and bus stops and shelters.

According to Mr. Bao, the five personal parking lots at Van Thanh, Thao Dien, Rach Chiec, Phuoc Long, and Binh Thai stations are nearing completion. The construction team is expediting the process by asphalt paving, installing canopies, painting fences, and setting up sanitary facilities and operation offices.

“The Binh Thai parking lot is exclusively for buses, while the others are designated for passengers’ motorbikes before they proceed to the Metro Line 1 stations,” said Mr. Bao. “The Ho Chi Minh City Public Transport Management Center is striving to finalize these lots before September 15, adhering to the set deadline.”

Mr. Bao further mentioned that, in parallel, the Center has installed 221 bus stops and shelters to accommodate over 20 bus routes (including three inter-provincial routes) along Vo Nguyen Giap Street. These bus routes will enhance connectivity and efficiently funnel passengers towards Metro Line 1.

The Day of Operation is Near

On August 23, at the Long Binh Depot in Thu Duc City, the Ho Chi Minh City Urban Railway Management Board (MAUR, the investor) organized a practical train driving technique session for 58 trainees on Metro Line 1, following theoretical and simulated training. This marked one of the final steps before the official launch of Metro Line 1.

The practical training on the actual line will conclude in September 2024. Subsequently, in October and November 2024, the operating staff will conduct trial runs with independent assessments by the French System Safety Consultant.

Based on the assessment results, the investor will submit the dossier to the Railway Authority for safety evaluation and to the State Acceptance Council for project completion and acceptance, paving the way for operational deployment.

Regarding the overall project progress, MAUR shared that Metro Line 1 has achieved 98.38% of the total volume. The project is expected to commence commercial operations by the end of 2024.

In addition to preparing train drivers, MAUR representatives stated that they, along with the contractors, are expediting the construction of nine pedestrian bridges connecting the elevated stations of Metro Line 1, with completion anticipated in September.

The nine pedestrian bridges will connect the following nine stations: Tan Cang, Thao Dien, An Phu, Rach Chiec, Phuoc Long, Binh Thai, Thu Duc, Hi-Tech Park, and HCMC National University.

Each pedestrian bridge, measuring 78 meters in length and 3.5 meters in width, will feature a canopy. Besides ensuring connectivity and accessibility for passengers, these bridges will also serve as emergency escape routes.

Metro Line 1, which broke ground in August 2012, was initially planned for completion and operation in 2018 but faced delays due to various reasons. Now, with dedicated implementation efforts, many residents are optimistic about experiencing this long-awaited project in the near future.

“Every time I pass by and look up at the project nearing completion, I feel excited,” shared Ms. Tran Thi Hien, a resident living on Vo Nguyen Giap Street. “I’ve made a promise with my children that our family will be among the first passengers to explore the city from above on those inaugural trains,” she expressed.

Ensuring Timely Resolution of Grievances

Recently, the Prime Minister issued Decision No. 799/QD-TTg approving the adjustment of the investment policy for the construction project of Metro Line 1 (Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien).

Accordingly, the completion time for project construction has been adjusted to the end of the fourth quarter of 2024. Other contents remain unchanged compared to the investment policy previously approved by the competent authority.

The Prime Minister assigned the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City to approve the project adjustment and organize the implementation in accordance with legal regulations, ensuring quality and efficiency. This includes committing to binding responsibilities, sanctions for violations, and measures to resolve difficulties and problems.

At the same time, the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City is requested to proactively take conciliatory measures or appropriate handling solutions regarding the grievances of contractors. It is imperative to prevent delays in resolving these grievances from affecting the project’s progress.