Delegates cut the ribbon to inaugurate the Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien urban railway line No. 1 (Metro No. 1). (Photo: Construction newspaper)

Metro Line 1, spanning nearly 20 kilometers with 14 stations, connects downtown Ho Chi Minh City with Thu Duc city. As Vietnam’s first metro line featuring an underground section, it incorporates advanced construction technologies and modern design. The project is funded through a combination of official development assistance (ODA) from the Japanese government and domestic counterpart funding.

According to Nguyen Van Duoc, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, the inauguration of Metro Line 1 is a source of immense pride for the city and a significant step in reshaping its urban transportation system.

Duoc said: “The road ahead is challenging, and the goals are ambitious, but I’m confident that, with unity, the engagement of the entire political system, public support, and contributions from businesses and international partners, Ho Chi Minh City will complete its urban railway network in the near future. This will elevate the city to the rank of global metropolis and propel Vietnam into a new era of growth.”

Phan Cong Bang, Head of the Ho Chi Minh City Urban Railway Management Board, says that, since entering commercial operation on December 22 last year, Metro Line 1 has served more than five million passengers. Its launch coincides with the National Assembly’s resolution on special policies to accelerate urban railway development, laying the groundwork for future expansion. The city aims to complete seven urban railway lines, covering a total of 355 kilometers by 2035, with the goal of public transportation meeting 50% of travel demand.

Mr. Bang said: “The National Assembly has adopted Resolution 188 on special mechanisms to develop urban railways in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. These policies create vital opportunities for breakthrough progress in urban rail infrastructure.”

Metro Line 1, Vietnam’s first subway system and the largest Japanese ODA-funded project in the country, represents a crucial step forward in HCM city’s transportation evolution.