A turning point in transforming Ho Chi Minh City's urban transportation model.

(NLĐO) - On the morning of March 9th, Metro Line 1 was officially inaugurated, marking a turning point in Ho Chi Minh City's urban railway system.

In the joyful atmosphere celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of Southern Vietnam and the reunification of the country (April 30, 1975 - April 30, 2025) and in harmony with the vibrant atmosphere of the 10th Vietnam-Japan Festival in Ho Chi Minh City, on the morning of March 9, the People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City held the inauguration ceremony for urban railway line No. 1 (Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien).

Ribbon-cutting ceremony for metro line 1 (Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien) - CLIP: NGOC QUY

The ceremony took place at 23/9 Park (District 1) and was attended by Central Committee member and Standing Deputy Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee Nguyen Thanh Nghi; Central Committee member, Deputy Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee, and Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Nguyen Van Duoc; Alternate Central Committee member and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu; Alternate Central Committee member and Secretary of the Binh Phuoc Provincial Party Committee Ton Ngoc Hanh; Deputy Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee and Chairwoman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Council Nguyen Thi Le; along with representatives from the Japanese Government, former leaders of the Party, State, and Ho Chi Minh City from various periods, leaders of departments, agencies, districts, Thu Duc City, domestic and foreign partner units, and a large number of city residents.

Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Nguyen Van Duoc at the inauguration ceremony.

Metro Line 1 (Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien) has a total length of 19.7 km, comprising 14 stations, connecting the center of Ho Chi Minh City with Thu Duc City. This is the first metro line in the country with an underground section, applying many modern and advanced construction methods.

The project, funded by ODA from the Japanese government and domestic counterpart funds, is a key economic cooperation project between the Vietnamese and Japanese governments. Since its commercial operation began on December 22, 2024, the metro line has served over 5 million passengers and received positive feedback from the public.

Leaders and former leaders of the Party and State, leaders of central ministries and agencies, and leaders and former leaders of Ho Chi Minh City at the inauguration ceremony.

Cultural performances to celebrate the inauguration of Metro Line 1.

On this occasion, at the lotus-shaped atrium of Ben Thanh station, the ceremony to unveil the plaque designating the project as a friendly cooperation between Vietnam and Japan, and as a city-level project commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of Southern Vietnam and National Reunification (April 30, 1975 - April 30, 2025), took place for the "Construction of Ho Chi Minh City Urban Railway Line 1, Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien line".

Ceremony to unveil the JICA project plaque and the ceremony to unveil the city's exemplary project plaque on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of Southern Vietnam and National Reunification - CLIP: NGOC QUY

The inauguration ceremony of Metro Line 1 marks a turning point in Ho Chi Minh City's urban transportation model transformation, with significant implications for the city's socio-economic development. This event is even more meaningful given that on February 19th, the National Assembly passed a resolution on piloting certain special mechanisms and policies, especially for developing the urban railway network in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Along with the valuable experience gained during the investment and construction of urban railway line No. 1, this will be an important foundation to help Ho Chi Minh City realize its goal of building a network of 7 urban railway lines with a total length of 355 km in the next 10 years.

Mr. Phan Cong Bang, Head of the Ho Chi Minh City Urban Railway Management Board

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr. Phan Cong Bang, Head of the Ho Chi Minh City Urban Railway Management Board and the project's investor, emphasized that Metro Line 1 is a symbol of the friendly cooperative relationship between Vietnam and Japan. He expressed his deep gratitude to the leaders of the Government, the Central Government, and Ho Chi Minh City for their continuous attention and support throughout the construction, operation, and development of the project.

He also expressed his gratitude to the households affected by the project, who sacrificed their personal interests for the common good, contributing to ensuring the efficient operation of the metro line, urban beautification, and meeting the transportation needs of the people.

Mr. Furukawa Yasushi, Vice Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Tourism and Transport of Japan, delivered a speech at the ceremony.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Mr. Furukawa Yasushi, Vice Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Tourism and Transport of Japan, stated that air pollution and traffic congestion are increasing due to rapid urbanization. Given this situation, the construction of Metro Line 1 in Ho Chi Minh City is an urgent solution, contributing to improving environmental quality and enhancing urban transportation efficiency.

Japanese Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Miyaji Takuma

Meanwhile, Japanese Deputy Foreign Minister Miyaji Takuma affirmed that Metro Line 1 is not only Ho Chi Minh City's first subway line but also Japan's largest ODA (Official Development Assistance) project for Vietnam. He emphasized that this project is symbolic of the cooperative relationship between the two countries and is the result of bilateral efforts between Vietnam and Japan throughout the project's implementation.

At the inauguration ceremony of Metro Line 1, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu affirmed that this is an important milestone in the development of Ho Chi Minh City's transportation infrastructure. He highly appreciated the close cooperation between Vietnamese and Japanese contractors in the implementation of the project.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu delivered a speech at the ceremony.

This event takes place as Vietnam and Japan enter their second year of comprehensive development cooperation. According to Deputy Minister Nguyen Minh Vu, Ho Chi Minh City is playing a leading role in the country's economic development, and Metro Line 1 not only fulfills the aspirations of the people but also becomes a symbol of cooperation between the two countries. The project also opens up many new opportunities for cooperation in the field of high-quality infrastructure in the future.

Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Nguyen Van Duoc delivered a speech at the ceremony.

At the ceremony, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Nguyen Van Duoc emphasized that the inauguration of Metro Line 1 is not only a source of joy and pride for Ho Chi Minh City but also marks the beginning of a new chapter in the journey of developing modern urban transportation.

At the same time, city leaders also expressed their deep gratitude to the Government, leaders at all levels, businesses, and people of Japan; leaders of the Party and State, central ministries and departments; leaders and officials of departments and localities of the city; and the entire staff of the Urban Railway Management Board and Urban Railway Company No. 1 Limited Liability Company for their contributions to the successful completion and commercial operation of the project.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/khanh-thanh-tuyen-metro-so-1-buoc-ngoat-chuyen-doi-mo-hinh-giao-thong-do-thi-cua-tp-hcm-196250309091737541.htm