Hanoi’s 2nd metro line misses deadline again

The Nhon-Hanoi Station metro line has missed the deadline for its elevated section again, after failing to go into commercial operation on July 28.

The Nhon-Hanoi Station metro line, the second of Hanoi once operational, measures 12.5 km in length with total capital of 34.8 trillion (US$1.4 billion). Its construction began in 2009.

The elevated section from the Nhon Depot to Cau Giay district was 8.5 km long.

On July 22, an official document from the government’s meeting on the progress of urban railway projects in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City was issued, in which Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha ordered that the Hanoi People’s Committee take the lead in coordinating public agencies and departments to ensure that this elevated section enter commercial operation on July 28, with no further delay.

According to the Hanoi Metropolitan Railway Management Board (MRB), as of the end of June, construction for the elevated section of the line reached 100% completion.

The Nhon Depot along with eight elevated stations along the line has been certified for fire safety standards, while the station equipment and 10 trains due to operate on the line passed the vehicle registration.

The Taking Over Certificates (TOCs) were also issued for various contracts within the project by Systra Consultant.

From 2015 to July 28, 2024, the commercial operation of the Nhon metro line has been delayed 13 times, Dan Viet newspaper reported.

Tunnel boring begins

Two tunnel boring machines will start drilling the underground section of the metro line at Kim Ma Station (S9) on July 30, according to the MRB.

This is part of the contract package CP03 to construct the underground stations and tunnel, which has achieved 43.4% completion.

The machines are expected to reach Cat Linh Station (S10) in January and the final station under Tran Hung Dao Street in October next year.

Each day, a team of 150 people including tunnel boring machine and robot arm operators will work onsite to ensure construction safety.

Vietnam News Agency – July 30, 2024