People board a train at a metro station in Ho Chi Minh City on December 22nd, 2024. (CFP Photo)
After years of funding shortfalls and cost inflation delays, Ho Chi Minh City eventually opened its first metro line to serve its 10 million citizens.
With 14 stations (three underground and 11 above), the 19.7-kilometer metro line stretches from the bustling Ben Thanh Market in the city center to the Suoi Tien Theme Park in its northwestern boundary.
Ticket prices range from 6,000 VND to 20,000 VND. The metro line will operate 200 times a day.
The official operation begins on December 22nd. However, hundreds of people have already been waiting at Ben Thanh Station on the 19th for a free trial ride.
An urban train arrives as a man uses his mobile phone on the platform at a metro station in Ho Chi Minh City on December 22nd, 2024. (CFP Photo)
The subway project was approved in 2007 with an initial cost estimate of VND17.4 trillion, which eventually increased to VND43.7 trillion.
Construction began in 2012 but has been slow to make progress due to funding shortages and soaring costs, requiring re-approval from the National Assembly.
The Ho Chi Minh municipal government voiced its plans to open six more subway lines.
Reporter | Zhang Ruijun
Editor | Yuan Zixiang, James, Shen He
