On the morning of December 18, the Ho Chi Minh City Management Authority for Urban Railways (MAUR) held a briefing to update on the Ben Thanh–Suoi Tien metro line’s performance after its first year of operation and to share plans for upcoming urban railway projects.

According to Phan Cong Bang, Head of MAUR, all land clearance, compensation, and support work for Metro Line 2 has now been completed. The relocation of technical infrastructure is expected to wrap up by early 2026, paving the way for groundbreaking on January 15.

The Ben Thanh–Tham Luong line will span 11.269 km, with 9.255 km underground and 0.846 km elevated. The line will include 10 underground stations, one elevated station, and a depot, funded by the city’s budget.

“This is the city’s first key project to apply special mechanisms and policies under Resolution No. 188. With a large-scale, technically complex design running through high-density urban areas, the project has received technology plan approval from the municipal government, and the Ministry of Construction has been asked to review and standardize technical regulations,” Bang noted.

The project will feature full automation at Grade of Automation 4 (GoA4) - meaning trains will operate entirely without drivers or onboard staff. The chosen technology will comply with European standards, incorporate advanced solutions, and align with Vietnam’s applicable norms.

Once completed, Metro Line 2 will serve as a backbone connecting downtown HCMC with the city’s northwest. It will meet passenger transport demands along the east–west corridor spanning Ben Thanh, Cach Mang Thang Tam, Truong Chinh, and Tham Luong.

The project is also expected to enhance integration with the city’s broader urban rail network, reduce traffic congestion, improve environmental conditions, and raise the quality of urban life.

Metro Line 1 reaches nearly 19 million passengers in one year

According to HCMC Urban Railway Company (HURC), from December 22, 2024, to December 15, 2025, the Ben Thanh–Suoi Tien metro line ran over 78,000 trains and served nearly 19 million passengers. On average, the line handled over 1.5 million riders monthly and 52,000 daily - spiking to 110,000 during holidays.

To accommodate rising demand during Christmas and New Year’s, HURC will increase service frequency and extend operating hours. On December 24 and 31, trains will run from 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., increasing from 243 to 264 daily trips.

On January 1, 2026, 276 trips are scheduled. Additionally, to support travel after the fireworks display, 20 late-night trains will run from 12:30 a.m. to 2:00 a.m., followed by 256 more trips from 5:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Tuan Kiet