The metro line in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s largest city, began test operations on November 11, 2024. This was reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

metro line
Photo: HCMC Metro

The metro line in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s largest city, began test operations on November 11, 2024. Trains run daily with intervals of 4 minutes 30 seconds in the morning and 10 minutes in the evening.

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Testing started on October 14 and ended on November 8, 2024, allowing the line to reach projected capacity levels. Initially, operators used only 20 percent of the line’s total capacity.

The project includes 14 trains out of 17 initially planned, ordered from Hitachi Rail. These trains will operate based on demand on weekdays and weekends. Three additional trains are in reserve for higher passenger loads. After November 18, officials will discuss future operational plans based on collected data.

Currently, the completion status of the metro line exceeds 98.6 percent. Final work is underway on bridges, service facilities, and fire safety checks. Personnel are being trained to provide effective service, ensuring uninterrupted operations after the official launch.

The line’s official opening is planned for December 22, 2024, according to the current schedule. During the first month, residents and visitors can travel for free. Afterward, tickets will cost between 6,000 and 20,000 VND (₫) depending on trip length.

Construction of the 19.7-kilometer metro line, connecting Ben Thanh and Suoi Tien stations, began in 2012. The total investment for the project reached approximately $1.82 billion. The line includes three underground and 11 elevated stations. Initially, the opening was planned for 2018, but technical and financial challenges delayed the project multiple times.

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