The Cat Linh - Ha Dong metro project cannot be put into operation on April 30 as scheduled.

A representative from the board said the project has failed to receive a safety certificate for operation.

The Chinese contractor has lacked skills and experience and was slow in most of the work which has led to continuous delays in the project, the board said. "Some of the work, including the stations, water drainage system, and decorations have not been finished."

Work started on the Cat Linh-Ha Dong metro on October 10, 2011. It was scheduled to be open to passengers in 2016 but has suffered continual delays. Earlier this year, the Ministry of Transport announced that the route would be officially operated by April 30.

The Cat Linh-Ha Dong metro route cost USD868 million funded by official development assistance loans from China. China Railway Sixth Group Co, Ltd is the project EPC.

Lao Dong/Dtinews