Metro Line 1 (Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien) is entering the final stage of completion, with progress reaching more than 98%. Not only is it a key transportation project of Ho Chi Minh City, this metro line is also a key factor in promoting economic growth, changing the urban landscape and creating momentum for real estate development in surrounding areas.
Overview of Metro Line No. 1
Metro Line 1, which started construction in 2012, has a total length of 19.7 km, including 14 stations (3 underground stations and 11 elevated stations). This metro line connects through major stops such as Ben Thanh, Le Loi, Ba Son, Dien Bien Phu, Van Thanh, Saigon Bridge, and ends at Long Binh Depot (District 9). The Depot – the train maintenance and operation center – is located in Long Binh, on an area of 20 hectares. The modern stations are designed in sync with pedestrian bridges, parking lots and many other amenities, and are expected to be put into commercial operation in December 2024.
On November 13, 2019, the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee approved Decision No. 4856/QD-UBND to approve the adjustment of the Metro Line 1 construction project (Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien). The project has a total investment of VND 43,757 billion.
The implementation period is divided into two main phases:
• Phase 1: Complete the entire project to put into operation in the fourth quarter of 2021.
• Phase 2: Focus on operations and maintenance support activities, lasting until 2026.
The project is funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), demonstrating the strategic cooperation between Vietnam and Japan in the field of transport infrastructure development.
Station system on Metro line 1
Metro Line 1 is planned with 14 stations, including underground and elevated stations. The stations are located in strategic areas, to effectively serve the travel needs of residents as well as tourists to prominent destinations and important economic centers of Ho Chi Minh City.
List of notable stations:
• Ben Thanh: The starting point is located in the city center, near Ben Thanh Market – a long-standing cultural symbol.
• City Theater: Underground station in the center of District 1, near bustling entertainment and commercial areas.
• Saigon Station: Connected with national railway lines, creating favorable conditions for inter-provincial passengers.
• University of Natural Sciences: Serving the student and staff community in this area.
• Mien Dong Bus Station: Elevated station, integrated with the inter-provincial bus station, creating convenience for passengers traveling from the provinces to Ho Chi Minh City.
• Gia Dinh Park: Connects the city’s large park area.
• Suoi Tien: The final station of the line, near Suoi Tien tourist area – a famous entertainment destination.
The reasonable distribution of stations on the route not only optimizes connectivity but also creates favorable conditions to promote socio-economic development in the areas through which the route passes.
The Important Role of Metro Line No. 1 for Ho Chi Minh City
1. Reduce traffic congestion and jams
Metro Line 1 is expected to become an effective public transport solution, contributing to reducing pressure from personal vehicles in the inner city. With large transport capacity and fast travel time, the Metro line not only helps people save time but also significantly improves traffic conditions on key routes of Ho Chi Minh City.
2. Protect the living environment
Switching from personal vehicles to using the Metro will help reduce CO₂ emissions, contributing to improving air quality. This is especially important for a large urban area like Ho Chi Minh City, which is facing high levels of air pollution.
3. Save energy and reduce dependence on fossil fuels
Using clean energy in operation, Metro Line 1 not only saves energy but also contributes to reducing dependence on fossil energy sources. This is an important step towards the city’s sustainable development goals.
4. Improve security and safety for passengers
The Metro system is equipped with modern equipment such as surveillance cameras, fire alarm and fire fighting systems. Safety measures are carefully designed, bringing maximum peace of mind to passengers when using the service.
5. Stimulate economic development and tourism
Metro Line 1 not only connects major economic areas but also facilitates access to famous tourist destinations such as Ben Thanh Market and Suoi Tien Tourist Area. This not only promotes business and trade activities but also contributes to attracting a large number of domestic and foreign tourists.
6. Improve the quality of urban life
Not only a means of transportation, Metro Line 1 is also a symbol of modernization, changing the urban landscape and creating new utilities, improving the quality of life for residents of Ho Chi Minh City.
Metro Line 1 is not simply a public transport project, but also an important driving force to promote the comprehensive development of Ho Chi Minh City, from economy, environment, to the quality of life of the community.
Impact on Real Estate
Real Estate Market Along Metro Lines
Experts say that Metro Line 1 will increase the value of real estate in the areas it passes through. According to research, real estate near metro stations can increase in price by 10-30% compared to other areas, thanks to:
• Convenient traffic connections: Areas such as Thu Duc, Binh Thanh, District 2 become the focus of attracting investors.
• Synchronous infrastructure facilities: Planning around metro stations includes commercial centers, offices, high-end urban projects such as: Thảo Điền Pearl, Masteri Thảo Điền, Masteri Centre Point, Lumiere Boulervad in Vinhomes Grand Park urban area.
Highlights From Real Estate Projects
1. Thu Duc City: The metro line is a key factor in forming a new creative economic center of Ho Chi Minh City. Projects such as Vinhomes Grand Park or Masteri Centre Point have recorded strong price growth thanks to their proximity to the metro line
2. Suoi Tien area: With the advantage of being close to Suoi Tien tourist area, real estate here promises to develop into integrated entertainment and resort centers.
Challenges and Prospects
Challenge
• Operation management: Metro Line 1 needs to ensure safety, operational quality and attract enough passengers.
• Policy mechanism: Urban development around metro stations requires synchronous and transparent planning policies
Prospects
• Spreading effects: Not only changing the face of traffic, the metro line also promotes sustainable growth, creates many job opportunities and contributes positively to the economic development of Ho Chi Minh City.
• Promoting infrastructure development: With the success of Metro Line 1, Ho Chi Minh City continues to plan 7 more metro lines, promising to turn the city into the most modern economic center in the region.
Conclude
Metro Line 1 1 (Bến Thành – Suối Tiên) is not only a transportation project but also a symbol of sustainable development of Ho Chi Minh City. This project promises to change the face of urban traffic, creating positive impacts on the economy, society and environment.
With the current progress, Ho Chi Minh City residents can expect a modern, safe and efficient transportation system by the end of 2024. Metro Line 1 is not only a transportation project but also a symbol of the modernization of Ho Chi Minh City. With a positive impact on traffic and real estate, this is an important turning point in building a sustainable, connected and modern urban area.
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