Hanoi metro pushed back further

According to the proposal that it sent Thursday to the Hanoi People's Committee, the entire metro line would become operational in 2027, with the elevated section beginning to run in 2022. The project's final settlements would be done in 2029.

With the proposed increase in investment of VND4.905 trillion ($211.8 million), the total project cost would rise to around VND34.53 trillion.

The MRB said the increase in investment is required because of changes in exchange rates, as well as the need to readjust initial designs and technical requirements. Multiple delays to the project have also led to changes to its original schedule, it noted.

As per the latest adjusted schedule, the entire line was to become operational next year, after 13 years of construction.

Among several issues that have affected the project's progress are impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, land clearance, and conflicts with international contractors over extended contracts and increased costs.

Most of the issues that lie within the capital city's responsibility have basically been dealt with. Ba Dinh and Dong Da districts are to take care of land clearance issues before September 30. Issues that lie outside of the city's jurisdiction would be dealt with by a special team created by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, the proposal said.

The Nhon-Hanoi Station route, the capital's second metro line to be constructed, is now 74 percent complete. The elevated and underground sections are 95 percent and 33 percent complete, respectively.