Vietnam's largest metro depot, HCMC's first, almost ready

By Quynh Tran   May 20, 2024 | 07:00 pm PT
Ho Chi Minh City's Long Binh Depot is set to open imminently, according to authorities from Metro Line No. 1, the first urban rail route in Vietnam's largest commercial hub.
Vietnam's largest metro depot, HCMC's first, almost ready

The train parking area has 30 tracks.

Japanese contractor Hitachi has completed the placement of the parking tracks, the installation of roofs, the construction of workshop sidewalls, and the facility's electricity systems.

Vietnam's largest metro depot, HCMC's first, almost ready

The train parking area has a roof installed for shelter to protect against weather and environmental damage during repairs, maintenance and storage.

Vietnam's largest metro depot, HCMC's first, almost ready

The tracks from the parking area gradually lead to the new Mien Dong (southeastern) Bus Station less than one kilometer away. From this major station, passengers can travel by bus to other localities near HCMC, as well as regions in central and northern Vietnam.

Vietnam's largest metro depot, HCMC's first, almost ready

The overhead energy system providing power to the electric trains has been "essentially completed," according to sources familiar with the matter.

Vietnam's largest metro depot, HCMC's first, almost ready

The operational and maintenance building, the main workshop, and an office area have all been fully completed, according to reports.

Vietnam's largest metro depot, HCMC's first, almost ready

The main workshop will serve as the maintenance and repair site for the urban rail line system's first route.

In the right corner is the train wash and cleaning area, where much work has also been completed.

Vietnam's largest metro depot, HCMC's first, almost ready

The wheel lathe area next to the main workshop is specifically for train wheel repair tasks.

Vietnam's largest metro depot, HCMC's first, almost ready

The central control building operates the entire metro line.

This item is solidly constructed with several functional rooms for staff to work and rest.

Vietnam's largest metro depot, HCMC's first, almost ready

Many workers and machines are busy finishing the final items of the depot.

Work on the first metro project of HCMC started in 2012 and has gone through various delays, and costs have risen to over VND43.7 trillion ($1.77 billion).

Spanning nearly 20 km, the route runs from the iconic Ben Thanh Market in District 1 to Long Binh depot with three underground stations and 11 above ground.

Under the latest plans announced last month, seven of the 17 trains to operate on the route will enter service in July and the rest, later.

Vietnam's largest metro depot, HCMC's first, almost ready

A map of stations along the metro line No.1, which will run 19.7 km between Ben Thanh Market in District 1 and Long Binh Depot in Thu Duc City.

 
 
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