During a Monday evaluation meeting that focused on socio-economic development and the restructuring of the economy for the 2021-2025 period, Vu Hong Thanh, who leads the Economic Committee, emphasized the importance of assessing the current progress of various urban railway lines apart from the operational Cat Linh-Ha Dong metro line in Hanoi.
In Hanoi, several lines are present, such as the Nhon-Hanoi Station spanning 11.5 km, Hanoi-Hoang Mai covering 8.5 km, and Van Cao-Hoa Lac extending over 38.4 km. On the other hand, in HCMC, there are the Ben Thanh-Suoi Tien line running for 19.7 km and the Ben Thanh-Tham Luong line stretching for 11.2 km.
The committee expressed concerns over the sluggish progress in developing infrastructure networks, particularly in collaboration with specific structures.
Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung has announced that the repayment of public funds for vital transportation projects will be expedited in the future. The focus will be on completing strategic infrastructures, such as the north-south and east-west expressways.
Hanoi has ambitious plans to develop ten urban railway lines by 2030, covering a total distance of 417 km. Among these, approximately 342 km will be elevated sections, while the remaining 75 km will run underground.
The Cat Linh-Ha Dong line, which underwent a decade-long construction process, was finally launched in November 2021. On the other hand, the Nhon-Hanoi Station line had initially planned to have its elevated section operational by the end of 2022, but unfortunately, this objective was not achieved. Meanwhile, the Nam Thang Long-Tran Hung Dao line is currently proposing an adjustment for its C9 station located near the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake. Additionally, both the Hanoi-Hoang Mai and Van Cao-Ngoc Khanh-Hoa Lac lines have gained approval from the city for investment. Lastly, the Yen Vien-Ngoc Hoi line is currently in the process of selecting its technical advisors.
Furthermore, Hanoi authorities have directed the Hanoi Metropolitan Railway Management Board to make necessary preparations for commencing construction on the remaining railway lines in the city. These include the Nam Thang Long-Noi Bai, Tran Hung Dao-Thuong Dinh, and Co Nhue-Ring Road 3-Linh Nam-Bat Trang-Duong Xa lines.
The construction of the Ben Thanh-Suoi Tien urban metro line in HCMC commenced a decade ago, making it the first of its kind. The project attracted a substantial investment of VND43.7 trillion ($1.77 billion). Stretching approximately 20 km, the line runs from District 1's Ben Thanh Station to Thu Duc City's Long Binh Depot. Its route includes three underground stations and eleven elevated ones. The completion of this line is anticipated by July of next year, after which it will be fully operational.
The Ben Thanh-Tham Luong metro line, which was initially scheduled for completion in 2026, has experienced a delay and is now projected to be finished by 2030. The total investment capital for this project amounts to approximately VND47.9 trillion.
