Vietnam lacks a complete, harmonised framework for metro construction, making it harder to train engineers, approve designs, and maintain infrastructure over time, engineer Le Van Cuong, who consulted on Ho Chi Minh City’s Metro Line 1, has told VN Express. Moreover, he has warned that inconsistent standards lead to higher costs, longer build times, and difficulties in operations and maintenance.
Cuong also says that:
- Fire safety systems, control rooms, and rolling stock may require custom solutions for each line, further slowing development.
- A national metro standard based on international best practices but adapted to local conditions should be adopted.
- Standardising tunnel diameters could allow for equipment reuse, such as refurbished tunnel boring machines, saving millions and reducing procurement time.
Of note, Ho Chi Minh City has plans for 510 kilometres of metro lines by 2045, up from just 20 km today. This is an ambitious target with that first 20 kilometres taking about 12 years to complete, both late and over budget. That is to say, these comments from Cuong speak to the changes that may need to be made from a technical perspective to avoid a repeat of these delays and budget overruns on future metro projects.
See also: Transport & Infrastructure: Policies, Projects & Sustainability