Vietnam Celebrates the Launch of Its First Metro Line: A Milestone for Urban Development
On Sunday, a historic moment in urban transport unfolded as thousands of residents flooded train stations in Ho Chi Minh City to celebrate the inauguration of the city’s inaugural metro line. The long-awaited project, which has faced numerous delays over its 17-year journey, represents a significant leap forward for Vietnam’s bustling commercial capital.
The new metro line, built at a cost of approximately .7 billion, extends nearly 20 kilometers (12 miles) from the city center and signifies an infrastructure development that locals have eagerly anticipated. Enthusiastic crowds, including women donned in traditional “ao dai” clothing, soldiers, and families with children, formed long lines outside stations ready to experience the modern transit system.
“I am thrilled to be among the first passengers on this metro,” noted Nguyen Nhu Huyen, an office worker who delighted in taking a selfie aboard the crowded train. “Our city is now on par with other major cities around the world,” she added, reflecting the pride felt by many residents.
Originally approved in 2007 with a projected cost of 8 million, the metro project was intended to address the burgeoning transportation needs of a city that is home to approximately nine million people. However, as construction began in 2012, unforeseen challenges resulted in delays that increased congestion and air pollution in the metropolis.
Bui Xuan Cuong, the city’s deputy mayor, emphasized the metro’s role in alleviating traffic woes and fostering environmental sustainability. “The metro meets the growing travel needs of residents and significantly contributes to reducing traffic congestion and environmental pollution,” he stated, while acknowledging the extensive challenges faced during the project’s development.
An emotional moment came when veteran Vu Thanh, 84, reflected on his experiences during the war. “It feels so different from the underground experience I had years ago during the war. It’s so bright and nice here,” he expressed, highlighting the transition from a painful past to a future filled with potential.
Experts like Professor Vu Minh Hoang from Fulbright University Vietnam recognize that while the line currently has only 14 station stops, its long-term benefits for urban transit and development are profound. “It is indeed a historic achievement for the city’s urban development,” he stated, pointing to the transformative journey ahead for Ho Chi Minh City.
As residents embrace this new mode of transport, propelled by significant investment and a vision for modernization, Ho Chi Minh City takes a crucial step toward becoming a leading metropolis in Southeast Asia.
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