Ben Thanh-Suoi Tien metro line begins full-capacity trial run

The full-capacity trial run of Ho Chi Minh City’s metro line (Ben Thanh-Suoi Tien) is underway, following an initial testing period at 20% capacity.

With a total of 17 trains, each capable of carrying up to 930 passengers, the metro system is designed to reach the maximum speed of 110 km/h on elevated sections and 80 km/h in tunnels. (Photo: VNA)

According to HCM City Urban Railway Company No. 1 (HURC1), this phase, lasting from November 11 to 18, tests the line’s complete design capacity, simulating the conditions expected during commercial operations.

The system operates daily from 5:00 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., with train intervals ranging from 4 minutes 30 seconds to 10 minutes. This trial will incorporate both weekday and holiday schedules, with 14 trains running on the main line and three on standby. Following the 8-day period, stakeholders will assess the results and develop further operational plans.

Earlier, from October 14 to November 8, trial operations ran at 20% capacity, covering both routine and emergency scenarios. Personnel across all positions participated.

The trial of the project is set to have its Phase 1 overseen by the Japanese consultancy consortium NJPT and Phase 2 by HURC1 staff. Related tests encompassed 47 scenarios, from routine operations to emergencies such as fires, power outages, flooding, and signal loss, across the metro’s entire 19.7 km route which features 11 elevated and three underground stations. With a total of 17 trains, each capable of carrying up to 930 passengers, the system is designed to reach the maximum speed of 110 km/h on elevated sections and 80 km/h in tunnels.

Currently, the project is 99% complete, and the remaining 1% mostly involves final testing and operation procedures./.

VNA