The 34th Conference of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee Executive Board (term XI, 2020–2025) continued on the afternoon of December 4 with a discussion session held in the main hall.
Mr. Phan Cong Bang, Head of the Ho Chi Minh City Urban Railway Management Board, reported that all main construction packages for Metro Line No. 1 Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien have been fully completed.
Currently, the Urban Railway Management Board is expediting the remaining tasks to ensure the project is ready for operation, scheduled for December 22. Fire prevention efforts are being managed by the Fire Protection Bureau under the Ministry of Public Security, while the Ministry of Transport is in charge of evaluating and certifying the system’s safety. Environmental permit assessments are being overseen by the Environmental Monitoring Department of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment in collaboration with the State Inspection Council for Construction Works.
“This is a national key transportation project that has received close and timely direction from the Prime Minister, the Secretary of the Party Committee, and leaders of ministries, departments, and Ho Chi Minh City. As of now, major obstacles have been resolved. The Urban Railway Management Board and Metro Line 1 One-Member Limited Liability Company are focusing on completing the necessary procedures to ensure operations begin as planned,” said Mr. Phan Cong Bang.
Metro Line No. 1
Simultaneously, the Urban Railway Management Board is collaborating with relevant units to address outstanding contract payments, disputes, and other urgent tasks to prepare for operations. Specifically, the Department of Transport, the Urban Railway Management Board, and Metro Line 1 One-Member Limited Liability Company are cooperating with ministries, departments, and city agencies to complete preparations, including training train drivers, operational staff, and maintenance teams. Trial operations were completed in November 2024.
The company has also established operational and maintenance units. Train registration and labeling have been completed. Plans for managing, maintaining, and operating the metro line, along with ticket prices for public transport services, have been developed. Policies supporting public transport users, including buses and trains, have also been prepared.
Operational procedures, maintenance plans, and measures to enhance access to stations have been finalized. Bus routes connecting to stations, traffic organization around stations and along the route, and fire safety plans for stations have also been completed and approved by the city’s police department.
Regarding trial operations, Mr. Phan Cong Bang stated that testing is planned from December 9 to December 21, with official commercial operations expected to begin on December 22.
