An artist's rendering of a section of the planned Metro Line 5 (Văn Cao – Hòa Lạc) in Hà Nội.

HÀ NỘI — Hà Nội is expected to begin construction of Metro Line 5 (Văn Cao – Hòa Lạc) this year and start work on the Xuân Đỉnh depot, part of Metro Line 2 (Nam Thăng Long – Trần Hưng Đạo section), in October.

During a recent meeting with Hà Nội's leadership, a representative of the Hà Nội Metropolitan Railway Management Board (MRB) reported that the unit has been allocated more than VNĐ2.2 trillion (US$84.6 million) in the 2025 capital investment plan. In the first five months of this year, total disbursement across projects reached 21.5 per cent.

Regarding the Metro Line 3 (Nhổn – Hà Nội Station) project, the elevated section has been operational since August 2024. As for the underground section, construction progress has reached 48.7 per cent, with the contractor committing to completing both tunnels by December.

For Metro Line 2 (Nam Thăng Long – Trần Hưng Đạo), MRB has re-engaged the Japanese consultant since February to finalise the project adjustment dossier, which is expected to be submitted for city approval in July.

MRB and local authorities have completed land clearance for the agricultural land portion, but 187 households at the Xuân Đỉnh depot site have yet to be relocated.

Additionally, 79 households affected by the Nguyễn Văn Huyên road extension project have not yet received compensation and clearance, posing a risk to the progress of the elevated section of the project.

As for Metro Line 5 (Văn Cao – Ngọc Khánh – Láng – Hòa Lạc), the investment preparation stage comprises 10 contract packages. One has been signed, while the remaining nine consultancy packages are undergoing final procedures before signing.

MRB is also preparing investment plans for 10 metro lines in 2025, with the remaining lines scheduled for 2026.

Chairman of the Hà Nội People's Committee Trần Sỹ Thanh directed relevant units to study comprehensive planning for the metro network under the TOD (Transit-Oriented Development) model to ensure synchronous implementation.

The Hà Nội Department of Construction was tasked with leading coordination efforts, clearly assigning responsibilities between MRB and other agencies, and carefully calculating all project components – including increasing Vietnamese contractor participation and localising technology and equipment in line with Party, State and municipal policy.

Chairman Thanh agreed with MRB’s proposal to commence work on the Xuân Đỉnh depot in October and break ground for the entire Nam Thăng Long – Trần Hưng Đạo metro section in Q4 of 2026.

For Metro Line 5, he asked MRB to accelerate progress and ensure full-line construction begins this year.

Hà Nội’s leadership also requested that MRB implement the Master Plan for Urban Railway Development and comply with National Assembly Resolution 188/2025/QH15 dated February 19 about piloting special mechanisms and policies for developing urban rail systems in Hà Nội and HCM City.

Metro Line 2 will span 11.5km, including 8.9km underground and 2.6km elevated, featuring seven underground and three elevated stations. The project’s total investment is nearly VNĐ35.6 trillion (almost $1.4 billion) – over VNĐ16 trillion higher than the original estimate approved in 2008.

Metro Line 5 has a total investment of over VNĐ61.9 trillion (nearly $2.4 billion), stretching more than 38km along the Văn Cao – Ngọc Khánh – Thăng Long Avenue – Ring Road 4 – Hòa Lạc route. The line includes around 6km underground, 2km elevated and 30km at grade level, with 21 stations (six underground and 15 elevated).

Hà Nội currently operates two metro lines: Line 2A (Cát Linh – Hà Đông) and the Nhổn – Cầu Giấy section.

Under Prime Minister’s Decision 1569 dated 12 December 2024, which approves Hà Nội’s Capital Planning for 2021–2030, the city is set to construct 14 additional metro lines. — VNS