All of the sections of HCM City's Metro Line No 1 are expected to be operating by the end of next year. VNA/VNS Photo Tiến Lực

HCM CITY — HCM City plans to launch a trial run of the first metro line section between Bình Thái intersection and Long Bình Depot in District 9 in the third quarter.

The completion rate of the entire line, which runs between Bến Thành Market in District 1 and Suối Tiên Theme Park in District 9, has reached 71 per cent.

The elevated track is being laid on concrete pylons that have been installed.

Speaking at a recent meeting, Nguyễn Thành Phong, chairman of the city People’s Committee, said that construction on the line would be sped up this year so it could open next year.

Huỳnh Hồng Thanh, deputy head of the HCM City Management Authority for Urban Railways, said that two trains would be imported in the middle of the year.

HCM City Urban Railway Company Ltd No 1 is making preparations and its staff have gone to Japan to take part in training courses on management and operation.

Nearly 700 people for management, operation, and maintenance are needed for the line.

Construction on the second metro line between Bến Thành Market in District  1 and Tham Lương in District 12 is expected to start soon next year and have a trial run and then open in 2026.

Its adjusted total capital is up VNĐ47.9 trillion (US$2 billion).

The HCM City Management Authority for Urban Railways is preparing bids for packages of counselling and construction in this year.

The second line will go through districts 1, 3, 10, 12, Tân Bình and Tân Phú. The city has to remove 602 households and 28 state offices for construction of the line.

Trần Lưu Quang, standing deputy secretary of the city Party Committee, said that compensation for land clearance would have to be completed by the end of June.  

Besides the two lines, the city is considering more metro lines, including a line between Cần Giuộc bus station in District 8 and Sài Gòn bridge in Bình Thạnh District.

Construction on this line would be divided into two phases, including the first between Bảy Hiền Intersection in Tân Bình District to Sài Gòn Bridge and the other from Cần Giuộc bus station to Bảy Hiền Intersection.

The HCM City Management Authority for Urban Railways plans to submit a project on the first phase of this metro line to the People’s Committee in April and then the National Assembly for approval. — VNS