The recent inauguration of the Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) Metro Line 1, alongside the operational Hanoi Cat Linh-Ha Dong line, marks a pivotal moment in Vietnam’s urban transportation history. With the first metro line in HCMC, this achievement sets the stage for transforming daily commutes and reshaping urban landscapes across the country.
What’s next for Vietnam’s metro expansion, especially after the HCM metro line, and how does it impact transportation overall? Here’s a detailed look at where things stand and the road ahead.
A Long-Awaited Start
After over a decade of delays, HCMC’s Metro Line 1 officially launched in December 2024. Stretching 19.7 kilometers and connecting Ben Thanh Market in District 1 to Suoi Tien Theme Park in Thu Duc City, the line features 14 stations, including three underground stops.
With an expected daily capacity of 150,000 passengers, it aims to ease congestion in the city where traffic jams are a daily struggle. This milestone is not just a transportation breakthrough but also a symbol of Vietnam’s readiness to modernize urban mobility.
The concept of metro systems in Vietnam dates back to the early 2000s when rapid urbanization highlighted the need for sustainable transportation solutions. Inspired by successful systems in cities like Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur, Vietnam began planning its metro networks with support from international partners, including Japan’s Official Development Assistance (ODA).
HCMC Metro Line 1 and Hanoi’s Cat Linh-Ha Dong Line represent the culmination of years of collaboration, technical innovation, and learning from global metro development standards. These projects also underscore the challenge of starting from scratch in a country without existing urban rail infrastructure.
The launch week of HCMC Metro Line 1 drew over 500,000 riders, driven by promotional fares and public excitement. While this surge highlights initial interest, the system's sustained success will depend on reliability and accessibility. Globally, metro networks such as London’s Underground, spanning over 400 kilometers, and Singapore’s MRT, with 230 kilometers, demonstrate the potential for efficient urban transit. Vietnam’s current metro plans aim to exceed 400 kilometers in HCMC and Hanoi by 2050, signaling a transformative leap for the nation’s urban mobility.
The Bigger Picture: National Metro Development
HCMC Metro Line 1 is part of a larger plan to build eight metro lines spanning 220 kilometers by 2030. This network is projected to cost over $25 billion and will link major urban hubs to suburban areas. Line 2, currently under construction, will add another 11.3 kilometers, connecting Ben Thanh Market to Tham Luong in District 12.
Meanwhile, Hanoi has also embraced metro development. The capital’s first metro line, Cat Linh-Ha Dong, has been operational since November 2021, carrying over 50,000 passengers daily. Hanoi’s Line 2A and Line 3 are under development, with Line 3 designed to connect the city center to Noi Bai International Airport by 2030.
These efforts position Vietnam to meet the growing demands of its urban population while laying the groundwork for an integrated transportation system that could rival those of its neighbors.
Urban Solutions And Economic Impacts
Vietnam’s cities face escalating challenges due to rapid urbanization. HCMC, home to over 11 million people, grapples with severe traffic congestion and pollution. About 8 million motorbikes crowd its streets, contributing to air quality issues that impact public health. The metro network aims to provide a cleaner, faster alternative to private vehicles, potentially reducing the reliance on motorbikes by up to 20% in its first decade.
According to the Ministry of Transport (MoT), Vietnam’s transportation sector contributes 18% of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions. Transitioning urban mobility to metro systems could significantly lower this figure, aligning with Vietnam’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
Beyond convenience, metro systems are poised to stimulate economic growth. Improved connectivity can enhance property values along metro routes by up to 30%, as seen in other global cities. This “metro effect” is already evident in Thu Duc City, where real estate developments are booming.
The metro also creates job opportunities. During the construction of HCMC’s Metro Line 1, thousands of local workers were employed. Once operating , the system requires staff for maintenance, operations, and customer service. Furthermore, businesses near metro stations, including retail and dining, are expected to see increased foot traffic.
Vietnam’s metro systems symbolize more than modern infrastructure; they represent a shift towards sustainable urban living. If the initial successes of HCMC’s Metro Line 1 and Hanoi’s Cat Linh-Ha Dong line are anything to go by, the future of Vietnam’s cities looks brighter—less congested, more connected, and environmentally conscious.