Prime Minister urges HCMC to start Bến Thành - Suối Tiên metro by November

The Bến Thành - Suối Tiên metro line, which began construction in August 2012, spans 19.7km with 14 stations, three of them underground and a depot. Photo giaoducthoidai.vn

HỒ CHÍ MINH CITY Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính has instructed Hồ Chí Minh City (HCMC) to ensure the timely operation of its first metro.

He wants the Bến Thành - Suối Tiên metro project on line by November, as per the established schedule, without any delays.

Additionally, the Prime Minister tasked HCMC with collaborating with relevant ministries and agencies to resolve challenges, facilitating the approval process for HCMC's Ring Road No. 4 project.

In response, the municipal People's Committee has approved adjustments to the timeline for completing the construction of the city's first metro line, Bến Thành - Suối Tiên.

This decision includes the adjustment of the project's completion by the end of Q4 2024, with other project details remaining unchanged from the previously approved plan in 2023.

The city's People's Committee has entrusted the Management Authority for Urban Railways (MAUR) as the project owner, holding them fully accountable for the accuracy and legality of all submitted data and reports.

MAUR is responsible for executing the metro line construction in compliance with legal regulations, ensuring quality, efficiency and that the project is completed and commercially operational by the end of Q4 2024.

The project owner is required to develop a detailed plan for the remaining work, adhering strictly to the timeline. All parties involved must be held accountable and measures must be in place to manage potential risks and resolve challenges.

MAUR must also control project costs, ensuring no additional expenses arise from the adjusted timeline. In the event of cost increases, MAUR and other involved entities must find solutions in accordance with law.

Furthermore, HCMC authorities have instructed MAUR to proactively address any disputes with contractors, ensuring that such issues do not impede the project's progress.

The metro project must be completed without further delays, with MAUR bearing full responsibility before the city government and relevant authorities.

The Bến Thành - Suối Tiên metro line, which began construction in August 2012, spans 19.7km with 14 stations, 11 of them elevated and a depot. The project runs through districts 1, Bình Thạnh, and Thủ Đức (HCMC), as well as Dĩ An City (Bình Dương). The total investment in the project exceeds VNĐ43 trillion (US$1.7 billion)

The metro project has faced multiple delays, with revised completion dates in 2008, 2011, 2019 and 2023.

As per the latest report from MAUR, 98.58 per cent of the overall project has been completed.

Specifically, the CP1a package (the underground section from Bến Thành to Nhà hát TPHCM station) has been completed, while the CP1b package (the underground section from Nhà hát station to Ba Son station) is 99.96 per cent complete.

The CP2 package (the elevated section and depot) is 99.76 per cent complete and the CP3 package (procurement of electrical and mechanical equipment, rolling stock and track) is 96.79 per cent complete. VNS