Located in Long Binh Ward, Long Binh Depot serves as the operational hub for Ho Chi Minh City's first metro line. It houses facilities for train control, maintenance, and repair, making it the largest railway depot in the city.

Currently, 17 trains have been stationed at the depot for the installation of electrical systems. Each train has a capacity of 930 passengers, including seating for 147 and standing room for 783.

The depot features operational buildings, maintenance workshops, and a 30-track yard, capable of accommodating up to 30 six-car trains. 

Each track is equipped with drainage systems running alongside the rails.

Mai Van Chanh, a train manager for Metro Line 1, described the rigorous safety inspection process conducted before operating the trains. These checks, which take 30–40 minutes daily, are essential for ensuring smooth and secure train operation.

The first train of the day departs from Long Binh Depot to pick up passengers at various stations before reaching Ben Thanh Station, the final destination. 

At the end of each day, the trains return to the depot for maintenance and inspection by technical staff.

The depot operates under strict security, with hundreds of workers and a multi-tiered protection system supported by surveillance cameras to ensure the safety of the trains and facilities.

The maintenance workshop is outfitted with frameworks and cranes to install necessary machinery. 

Tracks within the workshop, with a standard gauge of 1.43 meters, are equipped with signal lighting and deep grooves for easier access during repairs.

Nearby, a train-washing facility has been completed, featuring tracks, water piping systems, cleaning equipment, and signal lights.

In the operations room, the first team of six personnel begins their shift, managing the coordination of train schedules, routes, and other components of Metro Line 1's operations. 

With five rows of computers and large monitors, each operator handles specific responsibilities, such as commercial traffic, depot logistics, equipment supervision, and system maintenance.

The final tasks for Metro Line 1 are nearing completion. Spanning 14 stations from Ben Thanh in District 1 to the new Eastern Bus Station, the metro line is set to transform public transportation in Ho Chi Minh City when it begins service later this month.

Dao Phuong - Tuan Kiet