Ho Chi Minh City Opens First Metro Line After Years of Delays
The $1.7 billion project aims to ease traffic congestion and pollution in Vietnam's largest city but faced significant challenges during its 17-year development.
- The metro line spans 19.7 kilometers with 14 stations, connecting Ben Thanh Market in the city center to Suoi Tien Amusement Park in Thu Duc City.
- Initially approved in 2007 with a $668 million budget, costs ballooned to $1.7 billion due to funding shortages, bureaucratic delays, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
- The project was primarily funded through Japanese loans, with Japanese companies playing a key role in its construction under Japan's official development assistance program.
- The metro system is expected to reduce Ho Chi Minh City's notorious traffic congestion caused by millions of motorbikes and increasing automobile usage, though experts caution its immediate impact may be limited.
- Rides are free for the first 30 days, and the city plans to expand the system with six additional lines, though securing funding remains a challenge.
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