The first section of Hanoi’s second metro line, Line 3, has opened for a free trial period before the official unveiling, due in September 2024.
The 8.5km elevated railway built entirely on a viaduct stops at eight stations, stretching from Nhổn to Hanoi City Centre, in Cầu Giấy.
When the full 12.5km project is complete in 2027, with an underground component, it will visit six of the city’s districts across 12 stations, with an hourly capacity of 23,900 passengers in both directions.
Work on Line 3 began in 2009, with an initial finishing date of 2015 according to local newspaper VnExpress.
Work on the line was undertaken by multiple companies including Systra as consultant and engineer and a consortium of Alstom, Colas Rail and Hitachi Rail who supplied trains and systems. Part of the financing for Line 3 was awarded by the French government.
Frédéric Dufour, Systra Asia’s senior vice president, said: "Hanoi is turning a new page in its transport history with this new metro line, which will help to relieve congestion on the roads and contribute to the city’s economic development.”
Nguyen Cao Minh, a member of the Hanoi Metropolitan Railway Management Board, said: “We want to bring reliable, safe and efficient transport solutions for commuters in Hanoi.”
Hanoi and Vietnam’s first metro line opened in 2021 and also featured an initial free trial period.
In January 2024, China Pacific Construction Group signed a $2.7bn contract to build Metro Line 5.
It will run for 39km from the centre of the city to the western suburb.
Further Reading:
