Construction of the first underground terminal of the Ben Thanh-Suoi Tien metro line in Ho Chi Minh City – the first of its kind in Vietnam – has begun. The system, estimated to cost US$2.49 billion, is designed to be 19.7 km long, running from District 1 through Binh Thanh District, District 2, District 9 and Thu Duc District in HCMC before reaching Di An Town in neighboring Binh Duong Province.

Of the total length, 2.6 km will run underground with three stations, while the remaining sections and another 11 stations will be constructed above ground. The metro line is scheduled to be completed in 2017 and put into operation in 2018, when it can transport about 620,000 passengers per day, the HCMC Transport Department said.

Source: Tuoi Tre News, 21 July

AIP Foundation hopes the metro will reduce traffic congestion and lead to safer roads in Ho Chi Minh City.