This is one of the four key projects of Ho Chi Minh City that was started and grounded to celebrate the 14th National Party Congress.
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.
In which, the underground section is 9.3 km long, the elevated section is about 2 km. The project is invested with a scale of 10 underground stations, 1 elevated station and 1 depot area, with a total investment of more than 55,000 billion VND, using entirely Ho Chi Minh City budget capital.
The route 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.
In the early stages of operation, Metro Line 2 uses a 3-car train, with a maximum speed of 80 - 110 km/h, with a transport capacity of about 14,400 passengers/hour/trip.
When the next phase is completed, the train will be increased to 6 carriages, with a capacity of more than 40,500 passengers/hour/shift, meeting the large travel demand in the densely populated urban area.
The project is oriented to apply European standards, using modern technology with a 1,500V DC power supply system, integrating renewable energy recovery technology and an automatic inter-network ticketing system, aiming for green and sustainable transportation.
Metro Line 2 will achieve GoA4 automation level - the highest level currently, allowing trains to operate completely automatically, controlled and remotely intervened through the OCC Control Center when necessary.
The EPC contractor consortium, with Truong Hai Group Joint Stock Company (Thaco) as the general contractor, is responsible for implementing the construction. The project is expected to be completed and put into operation by the end of 2030.
Speaking at the ceremony, Vice Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Bui Xuan Cuong said that Ho Chi Minh City sets a target that by 2030, public passenger transport by urban rail will meet 20 - 30% of travel demand; by 2035 reach 35 - 50% and by 2045 reach 50 - 60%.
In that roadmap, Metro Line 2 is identified as a pioneering project of the new development phase, playing a leading and orienting role for the entire urban railway system of the City.
This is also the first project to apply outstanding special mechanisms and policies according to Resolution 98 (now Resolution 260) and Resolution 188, allowing Ho Chi Minh City to proactively decide on route plans, technology, construction procedures and allocate budget capital.
Metro Line 2 is also expected to become the nucleus of urban development in the direction of public transport (TOD), with stations being the center of urban space restructuring, forming modern, green and utility residential and commercial - service areas.
In particular, the standards and technical standards of Metro Line 2 will be used as a foundation for building a common standard system for Ho Chi Minh City urban railways, ensuring modernity, synchronicity, connectivity and upgrading capabilities, while creating conditions for domestic enterprises to deeply participate in the supply chain, gradually master technology and develop the railway industry.
Because the route passes through many main traffic axes and central wards, Ho Chi Minh City leaders requested the investor, contractor and consulting unit to organize construction on schedule, ensuring quality, safety and efficiency.
In the process of implementation, it is necessary to prioritize safety and minimize the impact on people's lives, apply solutions to reduce noise, pollution and traffic congestion, and strive to complete the project by 2030.
Many people in Ho Chi Minh City expressed great expectations when Metro Line 2 was started, considering this a project of special significance in the context of the City and the whole country towards the 14th National Congress of the Party.
Mr. Nguyen Van Hoa (Tan Son Nhi ward) said that the deployment of Metro Line 2 not only helps reduce traffic pressure for the Northwest area, but also shows the determination of Ho Chi Minh City in realizing the policy of developing modern public transport. "Starting the project at this time creates confidence for people that the major orientations of the Party are being concretized with practical projects, directly serving life" - Mr. Hoa said.
Sharing the same view, Ms. Tran Thi Lan (Tan Binh ward) shared that Metro Line 2 passes through many densely populated wards, if completed on schedule, it will help people travel more conveniently, reduce congestion and pollution. “I expect the project to become a milestone to celebrate the 14th Party Congress, showing the clear changes of the City in the new development phase” - Ms. Lan expressed.
