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HCMC Metro

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Ho Chi Minh City Metro
Thảo Điền station under construction in 2023
Thảo Điền station under construction in 2023
Overview
Native nameĐường sắt đô thị Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh
OwnerManagement Authority for Urban Railways
LocaleHo Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Transit typeRapid transit
Number of lines2 (planned)
Number of stations14 (under construction)
Websitemaur.hochiminhcity.gov.vn
Operation
Operation will startDecember 22, 2024
Number of vehicles17 three-car Hitachi trains
Technical
System length19.7 km (12.2 mi) (Line 1)
Track gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge[1]
ElectrificationOverhead catenary
Top speed110 km/h (68 mph)[1]

The Ho Chi Minh City Metro (HCMC Metro, Vietnamese: Đường sắt đô thị Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh) is a rapid transit system in Ho Chi Minh City, the most populous city in Vietnam.

Its first metro line, Line 1, completed construction in late 2024 and began its final test run on December 15, 2024, expecting to open on December 22. Line 1 spans 19.7 kilometers with three underground stations (Bến Thành, Ho Chi Minh City Opera House, and Ba Son) and 11 elevated stations. The line operates 17 trains, each with a capacity of 930 passengers, including 147 seated and 783 standing. The maximum design speed is 110 kilometers per hour for elevated sections and 80 kilometers per hour for underground sections.

The official launch is scheduled for December 22, 2024. Initially, nine trains will run daily from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., with peak hour intervals of eight minutes and off-peak intervals of 12 minutes. Passengers can ride for free during the first 30 days of operation. Bus routes connecting to Metro Line 1 will also offer free tickets from January 1, 2025, until the end of the free metro ride period.

Ticket prices have been approved, with single fares ranging from VND7,000 (US$0.27) to VND20,000 (US$0.8), and non-cash payments slightly discounted. Unlimited daily tickets cost VND40,000 (US$1.6), three-day tickets cost VND90,000 (US$3.5), and monthly tickets are priced at VND300,000 (US$11.8) or VND150,000 (US$5.9) for students.

History

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Main article: History of the Ho Chi Minh City Metro

Earlier proposals (2001–2012)

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The network was first proposed in 2001[1] as part of a comprehensive public transport network plan including Ho Chi Minh City and neighbouring provinces, with the aim of avoiding the severe traffic congestion problems that have affected other Asian cities (such as Hanoi).[2]

According to the original master plan submitted in February 2001, the metro system would comprise six lines. The plan was originally expected to cost US$1.5 billion over 10 years, as part of a US$3.35 billion program to build a rail network serving Ho Chi Minh City and surrounding provinces.[3]

The plan was revised in 2007 and proposed no less than six urban rail lines. The city’s transport development master plan to 2020 envisages developing three monorail or light rail lines with a total length of 37 kilometres (23 mi) and six underground metro routes with a total length of 107 kilometres (66 mi).[4] Bến Thành Market in District 1, already a major hub for bus traffic, will become a major hub connecting several lines.[citation needed]

Revised plan and construction (2013–present)

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Construction of Bến Thành station (August 2017)

The latest plans for Ho Chi Minh City Metro, a revised version of the earlier proposal in 2007, was approved on 8 April 2013.[5][6] The network's first line, connecting Bến Thành Market and Suối Tiên Park in Thu Duc City, was originally scheduled for completion in 2014. A groundbreaking ceremony for Line 1 was held on 21 February 2008. However, due to funding issues, construction only began in 2012, pushing the project completion date to 2018.[7][8][9] Line 1 is mainly funded through official development assistance provided by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), with the remainder being financed by the city's government budget.[10][11] Nippon Koei (now ID&E Holdings) was the main designer and consultant for the line. The elevated sections were built by a joint venture between Japanese conglomerate Sumitomo and Vietnamese state-owned contractor Cienco 6. The underground section is being built by a joint venture between two other Japanese companies, Shimizu and Maeda.[12]

In September 2013, an agreement was reached with the Asian Development Bank, the European Investment Bank, and the Spanish Government to provide €850 million to finance the construction of Line 5, with any additional cost funded by the Vietnamese Government. A revised construction start of 2015 was provided.[13]

On 13 September 2017, the authorities announced that Line 1 will be delayed for two years. Cost overrun, audits, and delayed payments to contractors contributed to the delay. The targeted completion date was set at 2020.[14] Planners expect the route to serve more than 160,000 passengers daily upon launch, increasing to 635,000 by 2030 and 800,000 by 2040. All stations along the route are expected to accommodate the disabled, with automatic ticket vending machines, telephone booths, restrooms, subway doors and information bulletins accessible to the handicapped and visually impaired.

Construction of Line 2 was initially scheduled to begin in 2013, with operations beginning in 2018. However, on 13 September 2017, the local authorities have requested to the Prime Minister to push back the construction of the second line to 2020 with completion in 2024.

On 28 January 2019, the Director of Project Management Unit at MAUR, stated that as of December 2018, construction progress of Line 1 has reached 62%, below the target of 65%. The project has been criticised by the local press for its repeated delays.[15]

In February 2020, the expected opening date for the first line was scheduled for the end of 2021.[16] No reason was given for the delay. The estimated cost of the line has also ballooned from $1.3 billion to more than $2.1 billion.[17] In December 2020, it was reported that one of the Elastomeric Laminated Bearing pads, which hold up the concrete beams of the viaducts for Line 1, had fallen off, causing one of the beams to be displaced and crack. Research on the incident is still being done by the contractor.[18]

In February 2021, first metro line completion line was pushed back to 2022.[19] On 8 September 2021, the Management Authority for Urban Railways (MAUR) announced that Line 1 will be further delayed. Construction was expected to be completed in late 2023, with commercial operations beginning in 2024.[20]

In November 2023, Indian investors plan to develop nine metro lines, which would cost a total of VND437 trillion ($19 billion), according to the India Business Forum.[21]

In February 2024, construction for Line 2 broke ground, with tunnels and stations to begin construction in 2025.[22] On 14 March 2024, MAUR announced that Line 1 would not be operational until the fourth quarter of 2024.[23] During that same year, PowerChina, the Chinese giant, was in discussions with the government to develop railways, which included metro lines in HCMC.[24]

On 21 November 2024, MAUR announced that Line 1 was "expected to enter operation" on 22 December 2024.[25]

Lines

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Planned network of the Ho Chi Minh City Metro
Line Line name Length Stations Terminus Note
 1  S: Sài Gòn line 19.7 km 14 Bến Thành ↔ Suối Tiên Terminal Under construction[26]
Option to extend to Biên Hoà or Bình Dương
 2  B: Bà Quẹo line 48 km 42 Củ Chi ↔ Thủ Thiêm Station Under construction[22]
Phase 1: Bến Thành - Tham Lương with 11 stations. [27]
 3A  K: Tân Kiên line 19.8 km 17 Bến Thành ↔ Tân Kiên planned
Option to extend to Tân An
 3B  N: Thị Nghè line 12.2 km 10 Cộng Hoà Junction ↔ Hiệp Bình Phước (Thủ Đức City) planned
Option to extend to Thủ Dầu Một and connect with Bình Dương Metro
 4  G: Gò Vấp line 35.75 km 32 Thạnh Xuân ↔ Hiệp Phước planned
 4B  T: Tân Sơn Nhất line 03.2 km 03 Gia Định Park (Line 4) ↔ Lăng Cha Cả Junction (Line 5) planned
Phase 1: Tân Sơn Nhất Airport - Lăng Cha Cả[28]
 5  C: Cần Giuộc line 23.39 km 22 New Cần Giuộc Bus Station ↔ Saigon Bridge planned
Phase 1: Bảy Hiền - Saigon Bridge[29]
 6  Đ: Đầm Sen line 06.8 km 07 Bà Quẹo Junction ↔ Phú Lâm Junction planned

The plan also includes 3 lines of tramway and monorail:

Line Line description Length Stations Route Note
 T  Tramway 1 12.8 km 6 Ba Son (Line 1) - Võ Văn Kiệt - Lý Chiêu Hoàng - Current Western Bus Station (Bến xe Miền Tây) planned
Option to extend to Bình Quới
 M2  Monorail 2 27.2 km ? National Highway 50 - Xuân Thuỷ (District 2) - Bình Quới planned
 M3  Monorail 3 16.5 km ? Junction Nguyễn Oanh and Phan Văn Trị - Quang Trung Software City - Tân Chánh Hiệp Railway Station planned

Rolling stock

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Line 1 will have 17 trains supplied by Hitachi. Each train consists of 3 cars, holding up to 930 people in total (147 seated and 789 standing passengers). Each trainset is 61.3 m (201 ft) long, operates at 110 km/h (68 mph) on standard-gauge elevated rail track and 80 km/h (50 mph) on underground rail track. They are powered by a 1.5kV DC overhead line.[30][31]

Fares and ticketing

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The Ho Chi Minh City Management Authority for Urban Railways (MAUR) have introduced a smart card for use on the Ho Chi Minh City Metro. The smart card will use Sony's FeliCa contactless IC chip, equipping it with NFC technology. Two types of smart cards are available at launch including a top-up card, which has a red design and a single-journey card, which has a blue design.[32]

Fares on the Ho Chi Minh City Metro are based on travel distance. For distances between 0 to 5 kilometers, the fare will be set at VND12,000, while distances exceeding 15 kilometers will have a fare of VND18,000. These fare rates will be applicable when Line 1 becomes operational, and will remain applicable for a minimum of three years and a maximum of five years.[33]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c Robert Schwandl (2007). "Ho Chi Minh City Metro". UrbanRail.net. Retrieved 2010-05-26.
  2. ^ "Ho Chi Minh City plans to build a metro network". International Railway Journal. 1 May 2002. Archived from the original on 1 June 2010. Retrieved 2010-05-27.
  3. ^ "Ho Chi Minh City Metro Plan". International Railway Journal. January 2001. Archived from the original on 2010-06-01. Retrieved 2010-05-26.
  4. ^ M.Vong (10 April 2007). "Vietnam to build first subway with Japanese aid". Thanh Nien. Archived from the original on 2012-03-08. Retrieved 2010-05-14.
  5. ^ "Decision 568/QĐ-TTg". Thu Vien Phap Luat. Retrieved 25 April 2017.
  6. ^ "Master plan of urban railways system". MAUR. Archived from the original on 25 April 2017. Retrieved 25 April 2017.
  7. ^ "Ho Chi Minh City Metro, Vietnam - Railway Technology".
  8. ^ "The work begins: HCM City to have first subway in 2014". VietnamNet Bridge. 30 April 2010.[permanent dead link‍]
  9. ^ "Work starts on Ho Chi Minh City metro line". International Railway Journal. 24 August 2010. Archived from the original on 28 August 2010. Retrieved 2010-08-24.
  10. ^ Minh, Gia (2021-08-07). "Disburse $82 mln more in ODA funds for first metro: HCMC". VnExpress International. Retrieved 2021-09-10.
  11. ^ "Metro Line No1 in HCM City likely to be completed after 2021". VietnamPlus. 2021-03-18. Retrieved 2021-09-10.
  12. ^ "After a decade of work, Ho Chi Minh metro to be completed this year". 8 June 2022. Retrieved 6 Dec 2023.
  13. ^ "City Metro Project receives Euro850 million funding". SGGP. 12 September 2013. Archived from the original on 13 December 2013. Retrieved 2013-09-12.
  14. ^ "Ho Chi Minh City selects underground contractors". Railway Gazette International. 26 July 2014. Archived from the original on 2015-01-12. Retrieved 2015-04-25.
  15. ^ "Nguy cơ tạm dừng dự án Metro số 1 TP.HCM: Hậu quả khôn lường!". 14 October 2017.
  16. ^ Vietnam Insider, "First Metro Line in Ho Chi Minh to Launch Next Year", 19 February 2020.
  17. ^ TheLEADER.VN (2018-01-18). "HCM City calls for additional US$17.8 billion in eight urban railway routes". TheLEADER. Retrieved 2018-05-09.
  18. ^ VnExpress. "Unexplained HCMC metro line cracks raise serious concerns - VnExpress International". VnExpress International – Latest news, business, travel and analysis from Vietnam. Retrieved 2020-12-08.
  19. ^ "Saigon 1st metro line completion pushed back to 2022 - VnExpress International".
  20. ^ "Completion of first HCMC metro line delayed again".
  21. ^ "HCMC wants Indian investment in billion-dollar metro lines". VnExpress International. 22 November 2023. Retrieved 5 July 2024.
  22. ^ a b "Vietnam business hub breaks ground on Metro Line 2". Nikkei Asia. Retrieved 2024-02-19.
  23. ^ "HCMC's first metro line delayed again".
  24. ^ "Chinese giants keen on Vietnam metro railway projects". theinvestor.vn. Retrieved 2024-07-05.
  25. ^ "HCM City's first metro line set to commence operations next month". Vietnam Economic News. 2024-11-27. Retrieved 2024-11-30.
  26. ^ "TP HCM khởi công ga ngầm metro Bến Thành". Retrieved 25 April 2017.
  27. ^ "TPHCM khởi công tuyến tàu điện ngầm số 2". Retrieved 25 April 2017.
  28. ^ "5 tuyến metro của TP HCM đang triển khai đến đâu?". Archived from the original on 16 October 2018. Retrieved 25 April 2017.
  29. ^ "TPHCM: Tuyến metro số 2 và 5 đủ vốn vẫn chưa thể khởi công". Archived from the original on 2 June 2017. Retrieved 25 April 2017.
  30. ^ "Thêm hai đoàn tàu Metro Số 1 về TP HCM". VNExpress. Retrieved 11 February 2024.
  31. ^ "Thi công lắp đặt hệ thống điện tiếp điện trên cao - Gói thầu số 3: "mua sắm thiết bị cơ điện, đầu máy toa xe, đường ray và bảo dưỡng " thuộc tuyến metro số 1 (Bến Thành – Suối Tiên)". MAUR. Retrieved 11 February 2024.
  32. ^ "Ho Chi Minh City introduces integrated circuit card for first metro line use". Tuoi Tre News. 25 June 2023. Retrieved 1 May 2024.
  33. ^ "Ticket prices proposed for HCMC's first metro line". The Saigon Times. 11 August 2023. Retrieved 1 May 2024.
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