HO CHI MINH CITY: A New Era of Urban Transport

In a buzz of excitement, thousands of residents flooded into train carriages on Sunday, December 22, as Ho Chi Minh City unveiled its first-ever metro line. After years of anticipation and delays, the city celebrated this monumental moment, marking a significant step towards modern urban transport.

Lines of eager passengers formed at every station along the US$1.7 billion metro line, which spans nearly 20 kilometers from the heart of the city. The scene was colorful, with women dressed in traditional 'ao dai,' soldiers in uniform, and families with children all waiting enthusiastically to board the sleek, new trains.

Office worker Nguyen Nhu Huyen was among the first passengers, snapping a selfie in her crowded carriage. "I know it (the project) is late, but I feel so honored and proud to be among the first on this metro," she said, highlighting the collective pride felt by many in the city. “Our city is now on par with the other big cities of the world!”

The Journey to a Landmark Achievement

The journey to this landmark achievement was not an easy one. It has taken 17 years for Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's commercial capital with a population of 9 million, to reach this point. Initially approved in 2007 with a projected cost of US$668 million, the project faced numerous hurdles following the start of construction in 2012. Local authorities had optimistically promised that the metro would be operational within five years, but unforeseen delays turned that ambition into a protracted struggle.

The colossal traffic congestion, worsening pollution, and extensive commute times diminished hopes for quick relief for the city's residents. "The metro meets the growing travel needs of residents and contributes to reducing traffic congestion and environmental pollution," stated the city’s deputy mayor, Bui Xuan Cuong, acknowledging the significance of this new transport line.

Cuong also admitted the project faced “countless hurdles” that delayed its completion. State media pointed to issues such as slow capital disbursement, technical complications, staffing shortages, and the COVID-19 pandemic as key factors involving the setbacks.

A Historic Achievement in Urban Development

Despite the extended timeline, some experts believe this inaugural metro line is a stepping stone towards more advanced infrastructure. Professor Vu Minh Hoang from Fulbright University Vietnam remarked, “The delays and cost overruns have been frustrating, but it is still a historic achievement for the city's urban development.” He is hopeful that future projects will benefit from the lessons learned during this process, making construction faster and more cost-efficient.

Reflecting on the Past and Embracing the Future

Among the new riders was 84-year-old war veteran Vu Thanh, who reflected on the contrast between his past and present experiences underground. Having spent years in the infamous Cu Chi tunnels during the war, he expressed joy at the bright new underground environment. "It feels so different from the underground experience I had during the war. It's so bright and nice here," he said.

Looking back on the time it took to finally open the metro, he added, "We built the tunnels to hide from our enemies in the past, so building a tunnel for a train should not be that hard.”

A Commitment to a Greener Future

The opening of Ho Chi Minh City's first metro line symbolizes not only progress in urban transportation but also the city’s commitment to improving the quality of life for its residents. As local citizens expressed their elation, the sentiment was clear—“Finally, we made it!” The dream of modern transit has begun, paving the way for a more connected and greener future for one of Southeast Asia’s most vibrant cities.