Ho Chi Minh City's First-Ever Metro: The History
From a 2007 plan to a 2024 trial run, Ho Chi Minh City's first metro took 17 years. Funded by Japan's JICA with Hitachi and Mitsubishi on construction.
[Ho Chi Minh City's First-Ever Metro: The History]
Every morning on the Ha Noi Highway, motorbikes and cars jostle for space amid a constant chorus of honking. Gridlock has long been part of daily life in Ho Chi Minh City. In 2007, the city government launched its metro plan, hoping modern public transit could ease the pressure and drive long-term development.
▍ The Japan Partnership
Unlike Hanoi's metro, built with Chinese involvement, Ho Chi Minh City chose Japan. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) provided official development assistance (ODA), while Hitachi, Mitsubishi, and other Japanese firms supplied rolling stock, signaling systems, and construction expertise. The partnership deepened economic and technical ties between Vietnam and Japan.
▍ Construction Challenges
The build was anything but smooth. Hitachi filed a claim of nearly VND 4 trillion (roughly $160 million) against the HCMC Metro Management Authority for cost overruns caused by delayed fund disbursements, labor shortages, technical issues, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Originally due for completion in 2018, the line did not begin trial operations until 2024 — a 17-year journey from plan to first ride.
▍ Trial Operations and the Road Ahead
In late 2024, the Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien line opened for trial runs. Families came to experience the new system, and social media influencers flocked for content. The metro is not just a transit upgrade — it has become a cultural moment for the city's young generation.
The transformation has only just begun. Over the next 20 years, Ho Chi Minh City plans to build multiple metro lines, creating a comprehensive public transit network to reduce dependence on motorbikes and cars and boost the city's global competitiveness.
