Project Profile: Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) Metro, Vietnam

The Ho Chi Minh City Metro is a multi-line urban rail transit system engineered to address critical infrastructure deficits and support sustainable growth in Vietnam’s largest city. The project integrates international funding and advanced railway technology to create a high-capacity transport backbone, mitigating severe traffic congestion and improving urban mobility. This profile details the project’s technical specifications, strategic importance, and current status as of late 2025.

Technical Specifications

The HCMC Metro system is designed with a combination of elevated viaducts and bored tunnels to navigate the city’s dense urban landscape and challenging soil conditions. Line 1, the pilot line, features a 17.1 km elevated section and a 2.6 km underground segment constructed using Tunnel Boring Machines (TBM). The entire network will operate on a 1,435 mm standard gauge, a significant modernization from Vietnam’s existing metre-gauge national railway, allowing for higher speeds and capacity.

Rolling stock for Line 1 consists of 17 three-car trainsets manufactured by Hitachi, designed for a maximum speed of 110 km/h (elevated) and 80 km/h (underground). While a full network-wide signalling supplier is yet to be finalized, systems are expected to be based on modern Communications-Based Train Control (CBTC), supplied by established firms like Alstom or Siemens, to enable high-frequency operations and enhanced safety across the network.

Key Takeaways

• Economic Catalyst: The metro is a cornerstone of HCMC’s urban development plan, aiming to reduce economic losses from traffic congestion and unlock new transit-oriented real estate development around stations.
• International Collaboration Model: The project’s diverse funding from institutions like JBIC, ADB, EIB, and KfW, combined with engineering expertise from Japan and Europe, serves as a template for large-scale infrastructure projects in Southeast Asia.
• Technological Modernization: Adopting standard gauge track and modern CBTC signalling represents a significant leap forward for Vietnam’s railway infrastructure, setting a new technical benchmark for future national projects.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When will Ho Chi Minh City Metro Line 1 open?

Ho Chi Minh City Metro Line 1 is projected to begin commercial operations in 2026. This follows the scheduled completion of extensive system testing, trial runs, and final safety certifications conducted throughout 2025.

Who is building the HCMC Metro?

The HCMC Metro is being built by a consortium of international and local companies. Key contractors for the flagship Line 1 include the Shimizu-Maeda joint venture for civil works and Sumitomo Corporation as the main contractor. Hitachi is responsible for supplying the trains, trackwork, and electromechanical systems, with major engineering consultancy provided by firms like Japan’s Nippon Koei Group.