HCM City’s first metro line will be operational for commercial use starting from July 2024. — VNA/VNS Photo

HCM CITY — HCM City’s first metro line will be operational for commercial use starting from July 2024, city authorities said.

The line is set to be completed by the end of this year, followed by staff training in June 2024, according to the Management Authority for Urban Railways (MAUR).

Certain regulations, standards, and procedures pertaining to system safety certification are yet to be finalised, which has impacted the project’s progress, it said.

The line, connecting Bến Thành Market in downtown District 1 with Suối Tiên Theme Park in Thủ Đức City, is currently over 96 per cent complete. 

Its underground and elevated sections have been tested, and major stations such as HCM City Opera House and Ba Son are scheduled for completion by the end of this month. 

The tracks and depot will be finished by next month, with the remaining work to be completed by December.

The first electric railway line is expected to be fully constructed by the end of this year. 

The installation of the project’s electrical and mechanical system will be completed by March 2024, followed by inspections and adjustments to ensure smooth operation.

MAUR has set a target to finish the construction of nine pedestrian bridges connecting the elevated stations by mid-2024, along with system safety certification and training for train drivers and operating staff.

The authority will closely monitor implementation to ensure operations start as planned.

In terms of fares, ticket prices will be determined by the distance traveled. 

The proposed minimum fare will be VNĐ12,000 for journeys under 5km, VNĐ14,000 for distances of 5-10km, VNĐ16,000 for 10-15km, and VNĐ18,000 for distances over 15km. 

A monthly pass will be available for VNĐ260,000, and there will also be options to purchase tickets for one day or three days, priced at VNĐ40,000 and VNĐ90,000, respectively.

The total cost of the metro project is estimated at VNĐ43.7 trillion. It will span a distance of 19.7km, with 2.6km underground and 11 stations.

The metro line has faced multiple delays. Originally scheduled for completion in 2018, funding issues and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic have led to ongoing delays. 

In a related development, metro line No 2, running from Bến Thành Market in District 1 to Tham Lương Depot in District 12, is also currently undergoing land clearance and technical infrastructure relocation, and is set for completion in 2030. — VNS