In the three months since the Nhon–Hanoi Station metro line launched commercial operations (August to November 2024), it has served over 2 million passengers, contributing to reduced congestion along the National Highway 32–Xuan Thuy–Cau Giay corridor.

The Hanoi People’s Committee hosted the official commercial launch for the elevated segment of the Nhon–Hanoi metro line. With this, the capital city now officially has two metro lines (Nhon–Hanoi and Cat Linh–Ha Dong), providing residents with public transit options that help alleviate traffic on the key routes of Quang Trung–Nguyen Trai and National Highway 32–Xuan Thuy–Cau Giay.

Speaking with VietNamNet, Vu Nguyen Truong, CEO of Hanoi Metro, shared that during the two-week free service period, ridership on the Nhon–Hanoi line’s elevated section was very high, reaching a peak of over 100,000 riders on August 11. Once fares were introduced, ridership declined, though those who continue using the metro have genuine commuting needs.

As of now, passenger numbers stand at about 40% of initial trial ridership levels. From Monday to Friday, the Nhon–Hanoi line serves an average of 18-19,000 riders daily, while on weekends, it serves about 12-14,000.

“Most weekday commuters on the Nhon–Hanoi line are monthly pass holders who travel during peak hours, helping reduce traffic congestion along National Highway 32–Xuan Thuy–Cau Giay,” Truong noted, adding that the recently launched line has substantial capacity to accommodate even more passengers.

For the Cat Linh–Ha Dong metro line, the CEO said that three years of commercial operations have had a significant impact. Many commuters are gradually shifting from personal vehicles to the metro, easing congestion in western Hanoi. Currently, the line serves 43-44,000 passengers on weekdays and 22-24,000 on weekends.

Hanoi People’s Committee Vice Chairman Duong Duc Tuan emphasized the critical role of the Nhon–Hanoi metro line in the city’s urban traffic strategy, aiming to relieve traffic pressure, reduce air pollution, and improve residents’ quality of life.

“With a total length of over 12.5 km, of which 8.5 km are elevated from Nhon to Cau Giay, the metro has served more than 2 million passengers in its first three months of operation, demonstrating strong demand and solid public support,” Tuan said, highlighting the line’s positive impact as Hanoi’s second urban railway.

A challenging journey towards a brighter future

Vice Chairman Tuan affirmed that urban rail is proving to be an essential transit mode, offering high-capacity, stable, reliable, and eco-friendly public transportation.

“Green transformation is a challenging journey, but these difficulties also present opportunities for pivotal change, paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable future for future generations,” he remarked.

“The commercial launch of the Nhon–Hanoi elevated metro segment, and the commitment to expand the capital's metro system towards Net Zero by 2050, marks not only a significant milestone for transit but also showcases the city’s sustainable vision,” Tuan said.

Tuan urged the project’s developers and contractors to expedite construction, including the tunnel boring work, to complete the underground section on schedule and make the entire line fully operational as soon as possible.

The Nhon–Hanoi Station metro project, overseen by the Hanoi Urban Railway Management Board, is 12.5 km long. The elevated segment (Nhon–Cau Giay) covers 8.5 km, while the underground section (Cau Giay–Hanoi Station) spans 4 km.

On August 8, the elevated segment officially opened for commercial service. The developers and contractors are now constructing the underground portion, which is expected to be completed by 2027.

Quang Phong