Hanoi’s First Metro Line: The Cat Linh – Ha Dong Adventure
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The Cat Linh – Ha Dong metro runs 30-35 kilometers an hour. Photo by VnExpress/Giang Huy |
The long-awaited Cat Linh – Ha Dong metro line has emerged as a beacon of modern transportation in Hanoi. Stretching for 13 kilometers, this metro line is poised to transform the daily commute for many residents. As anticipation builds, authorities plan to launch commercial operations before the lively Tet Lunar New Year holiday, starting February 2, 2019.
Currently, all 13 trains on this line are undergoing rigorous trial runs. Connecting the bustling Cat Linh Station in downtown Dong Da District to the Yen Nghia Station in the vibrant Ha Dong District, these trains are designed to transport approximately 1,000 passengers at a time. Each train features four stainless steel coaches, spanning 19 meters in length. Although the trains are capable of reaching speeds of up to 65 kilometers an hour, they currently operate at 30-35 kilometers per hour, ensuring safety during these preliminary tests.
As of now, the construction progress stands at an impressive 96%, with officials indicating that the terminals and depots are 83% equipped. The journey between the two endpoints takes roughly 30 minutes, presenting a speedy solution to a city known for its traffic chaos.
Initiated back in October 2011, the Cat Linh – Ha Dong project faced numerous hurdles that delayed its completion. Originally slated for 2013, complications such as loan disbursement issues with Chinese funding led to extended setbacks that were only resolved last December. A significant factor in these delays has been the staggering increase in project costs, which have jumped from an initial estimate of $552.86 million to over $868 million, primarily from loans provided by China.
The Bac Giang – Lang Son Expressway: Bridging Distances
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Workers lay asphalt on the Bac Giang – Lang Son Expressway. Photo by Anh Duy |
In addition to the metro, the Bac Giang – Lang Son expressway is set to enhance travel efficiency in northern Vietnam. Stretching 64 kilometers, this four-lane roadway connects Bac Giang Province to the northern Lang Son Province, which borders China. Originally scheduled for completion last year, the project now expects to finish by December.
This expressway will not only connect regions but also upgrade the existing 110-kilometer stretch of the National Route 1A. Estimated to cost VND 12.19 trillion ($523.67 million), the expressway is nearing completion, with operators focused on laying asphalt and installing essential road signs and lights.
The Bac Giang – Lang Son expressway is a crucial component of the Hanoi – Lang Son expressway network, enhancing connectivity between the capital and the Huu Nghi International Border Gate in Lang Son Province. However, challenges faced by the original investor necessitated a change in plans.
The Cu Mong Tunnels: A Safer Passage
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The Cu Mong Tunnels connect two southern provinces. Photo by Anh Duy |
Another major infrastructure project, the Cu Mong tunnels, will connect the southern provinces of Binh Dinh and Phu Yen. Set to open on January 21, these tunnels will also grant free passage to vehicles during the Tet holiday from February 2-10, improving travel safety and efficiency in this historically dangerous region.
The Cu Mong Pass has long been noted for its treacherous conditions. The new tunnels, spanning 2.6 kilometers, aim to minimize dangerous traffic accidents while reducing travel times significantly. With a maximum speed of 80 kilometers an hour, they offer a swift solution to regional connectivity needs.
Construction began in September 2015, with a total investment of nearly VND 4 trillion ($171.82 million). A major part of the project is designed to operate one tunnel initially, reserving an alternative for emergencies—a testament to safety in infrastructure development.
The Vam Cong Bridge: Connecting Economies
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The Vam Cong Bridge is expected to boost the socio-economic development of the Mekong Delta region. |
Lastly, the Vam Cong Bridge is built to enhance connectivity within the Mekong Delta region, linking Dong Thap Province with Can Tho City. Expected to be operational by next July, this bridge is the second structure over the Hau River, complementing the existing Can Tho Bridge located 48 kilometers away.
Initially scheduled for completion in November 2017, the Vam Cong Bridge encountered a significant setback when a four-centimeter crack was discovered in a horizontal beam during construction. Authorities have since mandated repairs, and as of now, 26 out of 38 repair steps have been completed, securing the structure’s integrity.
The bridge’s budget, set at $270 million, is sourced through official developmental assistance from South Korea alongside counterpart funds from Vietnam, reflecting an international effort to boost local infrastructure.