Metro Line No. 1 is expected to be finished in 2020, but ancillary infrastructure, such as intermodal transport connection stations, has not started. — Photo nld.vn

HCM CITY — The Metro Line No. 1 project linking Bến Thành Market in District 1 to Suối Tiên Tourism Park in District 9 is expected to be completed in 2020, but plans for ancillary infrastructure have yet to be finalised.

The finished metro line project will require ancillary infrastructure for accessibility such as intermodal transportation connecting stations to nearby areas and parking lots for transit vehicles. However, there are no specific plans for the land to be used for such work, according to the HCM City Management Authority for Urban Railways.

A representative of the authority told Người Lao Động Newspaper that the plan for the metro line did not mention anything about such work, and that only the land for the tracks and station had been handed over.

Many investors are interested in infrastructure projects connected to the metro line. 

However, several projects are facing difficulties, including the elevated footbridge to be built by SSG 2 Real Estate and Construction Co., Ltd. The footbridge would connect District 2’s Thảo Điền Pearl residential area with Thảo Điền metro station (a part of Metro Line No.1).

The company has been unable to negotiate with three households whose houses occupy around 230 sq metres of land for the footbridge project. The city has instructed District 2 to work on land clearance and compensation to relocate the households, but related regulations have slowed down progress.  

The city departments of Planning and Architecture; Transport; and Construction should develop plans on intermodal transportation projects that would connect with metro stations, said the Management Authority for Urban Railways. 

Lê Hoàng Châu, chairman of the HCM City Real Estate Association, has asked authorities to designate the elevated footbridge project as a public project to help with land acquisition.

Around 63 per cent of the 19.7 kilometres route has been completed, with 80 per cent projected to be finished by the year end. The line costs more than VNĐ47 trillion (US$2 billion).

HCM City has three metro lines under construction. Five metro lines, two monorails, a tramway and Bến Thành Central Station will receive investment in the future.

The eight metro lines, which cover 220 kilometres in length, cost around $250 billion. — VNS