Ho Chi Minh City begins construction of Metro Line 2, costing over 55,000 billion VND, passing through 14 wards.

Ho Chi Minh City - On the morning of January 15th, the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee held a groundbreaking ceremony for Metro Line 2 (Ben Thanh - Tham Luong), connecting the city center with the northwestern gateway of the city.

Perspective view of the elevated section of Metro Line 2. Photo: MAUR

This is one of four key projects in Ho Chi Minh City that were launched and had their groundbreaking ceremony held to celebrate the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam.

According to Mr. Phan Cong Bang, Head of the Ho Chi Minh City Urban Railway Management Board (MAUR), Metro Line 2 has a total length of nearly 11.27 km.

The project includes a 9.3 km underground section and approximately 2 km of elevated section. It comprises 10 underground stations, 1 elevated station, and 1 depot, with a total investment of over 55,000 billion VND, entirely funded by the Ho Chi Minh City budget.

Metro Line 2 has an underground section connecting to Ben Thanh Station of Metro Line 1. Photo: MAUR

The line starts from Ben Thanh station and ends at Tham Luong depot, passing through 14 wards including: Ben Thanh, Ban Co, Xuan Hoa, Hoa Hung, Vuon Lai, Nhieu Loc, Tan Hoa, Tan Son Nhat, Bay Hien, Tan Binh, Tan Son, Tay Thanh, Tan Son Nhi and Dong Hung Thuan.

Mr. Phan Cong Bang – Head of the Ho Chi Minh City Urban Railway Management Board. Photo: Minh Quan

In its initial phase of operation, Metro Line 2 will use 3-car trains, with a maximum speed of 80-110 km/h and a transport capacity of approximately 14,400 passengers per hour per direction.

Upon completion of the next phase, the train will be upgraded to 6 carriages, with a capacity of over 40,500 passengers per hour per direction, meeting the high demand for transportation in densely populated urban areas.

Perspective view of Tao Dan underground station on Metro Line 2. Photo: MAUR

The project is oriented towards applying European standards, using modern technology with a 1,500V DC power supply system, integrating renewable energy recovery technology and an interconnected automated ticketing system across the entire network, aiming for green and sustainable transportation.

Metro Line 2 will achieve GoA4 automation level – the highest level currently available, allowing trains to operate fully automatically, controlled and remotely intervened through the OCC control center when necessary.

The EPC consortium, with Truong Hai Group Joint Stock Company ( Thaco ) as the main contractor, is responsible for the construction. The project is expected to be completed and put into operation by the end of 2030.

Perspective view of Tham Luong Depot. Photo: MAUR

Speaking at the ceremony, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Bui Xuan Cuong said that Ho Chi Minh City aims to have public passenger transport by urban rail meet 20-30% of travel demand by 2030; 35-50% by 2035; and 50-60% by 2045.

In that roadmap, Metro Line 2 is identified as the pioneering project of the new development phase, playing a leading and guiding role for the entire urban rail system of the city.

This is also the first project to apply the superior special mechanisms and policies under Resolution 98 (now Resolution 260) and Resolution 188, allowing Ho Chi Minh City to proactively decide on the route, technology, construction process, and budget allocation.

Metro Line 2 is also expected to become a nucleus for transport-oriented urban development (TOD), with its stations serving as centers for restructuring urban space, forming modern, green, and convenient residential, commercial, and service areas.

In particular, the technical regulations and standards of Metro Line 2 will be used as the foundation for building a common standards system for Ho Chi Minh City's urban railway system, ensuring modernity, uniformity, connectivity, and upgradeability, while creating conditions for domestic enterprises to participate deeply in the supply chain, gradually mastering technology and developing the railway industry.

Perspective view of the entrance to Metro Line 2 station. Photo: MAUR

Because the route passes through many major traffic arteries and central wards, the leaders of Ho Chi Minh City have requested the investor, contractor, and consulting unit to organize construction according to schedule, ensuring quality, safety, and efficiency.

During implementation, safety and minimizing disruption to people's lives must be prioritized, along with applying solutions to reduce noise, pollution, and traffic congestion, striving to complete the project by 2030.

Many people in Ho Chi Minh City have expressed high expectations for the commencement of Metro Line 2, considering it a project of special significance in the context of the city and the country preparing for the 14th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam.

Mr. Nguyen Van Hoa (Tan Son Nhi ward) believes that the implementation of Metro Line 2 will not only help reduce traffic pressure in the Northwest area, but also demonstrate Ho Chi Minh City's determination to realize its policy of developing modern public transportation. "The commencement of the project at this time creates confidence among the people that the Party's major orientations are being concretized through practical projects that directly serve daily life," Mr. Hoa said.

Sharing the same view, Ms. Tran Thi Lan (Tan Binh ward) said that Metro Line 2 passes through many densely populated wards, and if completed on schedule, it will help people travel more conveniently, reduce traffic congestion and pollution. "I expect the project to become a landmark welcoming the 14th National Congress of the Party, demonstrating the clear changes of the city in the new development phase," Ms. Lan expressed.

Source: https://laodong.vn/xa-hoi/tphcm-khoi-cong-metro-so-2-hon-55000-ti-dong-di-qua-14-phuong-1641049.ldo