Vietnam Set to Launch Second Metro Line in 2023, Underground Line Section Extended to 2027

• Sommana Yan
• 6 August 2023
• International News
• 4614 Views

As Vietnam’s capital city looks towards a greener, more efficient future, the eagerly anticipated Nhon – Hanoi Station metro line promises to be a game-changer in urban transport. The elevated section of this revolutionary underground railway line is set to commence operations in 2023, a significant step towards easing traffic congestion and reducing emissions in the bustling city, according to the Hanoi Times.

This visionary project comes at a total cost of VND34.8 trillion (US$1.48 billion), which experienced a slight 6% overrun. With sustainability at its core, the metro line aims to stimulate economic growth, benefitting over 200,000 daily passengers while fostering Hanoi’s development as a modern, environmentally conscious metropolis.

The Nhon – Hanoi Station metro line spans an impressive 12.5 kilometres, encompassing eight elevated and four underground stations, pioneering Hanoi’s first-ever underground railway. Its completion by 2027, including the underground section, promises to revolutionise the city’s public transportation landscape, ushering in a new era of seamless connectivity and convenience for residents and commuters alike.

The metro line’s capacity to accommodate eight trains simultaneously, operating at an average speed of 35 kilometres per hour, signifies a significant step forward in the city’s quest for efficient and eco-friendly mobility solutions.

To date, the Cat Linh – Ha Dong metro line, the first metro line in Vietnam, has made impressive strides in its first quarter of operation, catering to a staggering 2.65 million passengers, marking a remarkable 262% year-on-year increase. The much-anticipated metro line was officially inaugurated on 13 January 2022, a historic day when it also celebrated its one-millionth passenger milestone. Funded by China’s official development assistance (ODA) with an investment of approximately US$868 million, this elevated line spans over 13 km, boasting 12 stations and 13 trains.

Vu Hong Truong, General Director of Hanoi Railway Company Limited (Hanoi Metro), revealed that 10,000 commuters have opted for monthly passes, showcasing the line’s popularity among residents. On a typical weekday, the metro line efficiently transports over 32,000 passengers, while on weekends, around 28,000 riders embrace its efficient and convenient services.

• Road and Infrastructure