Hà Nội to invest over $2.66b to build urban metro line No5

With an investment capital of over VNĐ65 trillion (US$2.66 billion), this will be the largest urban railway line in terms of investment capital among the completed feasibility study reports in Hà Nội.

According to decision No1514, which was signed by the head of the council and also Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyễn Chí Dũng, project No5 consists of 14 content areas for appraisal.

The move is an important step for the project of national importance, prior to approvals by the National Assembly and the Prime Minister.

The preliminary total investment for the project is estimated to be VNĐ65.4 trillion ($2.68 billion), using the city’s budget. This includes the construction costs of VNĐ24.84 trillion ($1.01 billion), the equipment costs of VNĐ16.62 billion ($681 million), the management and consulting of VNĐ6.22 trillion ($255 million), and the contingency fee of VNĐ16.9 trillion ($693 million).

The cost of land clearance compensation and resettlement is only VNĐ811 billion ($32 million).

Design of the urban metro line No5 connecting Văn Cao Road to Hoà Lạc Road in Hà Nội. Photo baodautu.vn

The metro line No5 will be built following the standard double-track gauge of 1,435mm as it connects the major stations of Văn Cao, Ngọc Khánh, Láng, and Hoà Lạc. With a total length of 38.43 kilometres, the route runs 6.5 kilometres underground, two kilometres on elevated sections and 29.93 kilometres at ground level.

The project includes 21 stations, including six underground stations, one elevated station, and 14 ground-level stations.

Depot No1 is located in Sơn Đồng Commune in Hoài Đức District, covering an area of approximately 18 hectares. Depot No2 is located in Yên Bình Commune, Thạch Thất District, covering an area of approximately 6.9 hectares.

The plan is to have 26 four-carriage trains operating in 2025 which will increase to 37 four-carriage trains in 2035 and more 38 six-carriage trains in 2050. Further clarification will be provided regarding the suitable train operation plan to meet transportation needs and maximise the effectiveness of investment funds.

To secure the funds for the construction of metro line No5, the project is balanced within the mid-term public investment plan for the 2021-2025 period, with additional allocations possible in the 2026-2030 period.

The resource allocation plan for the project prioritises the 2021-2025 phase, with funding coming from five sources approved by the City Appraisal Council.

Specifically, Hà Nội City People's Committee will allocate VNĐ15 trillion ($615 million) from public investment and cost savings within the 2021-2025 period; VNĐ18-20 trillion ($738-820 million) from equitisation and divestment of State-owned enterprises; VNĐ15 trillion from the auction of certain land plots; and VNĐ10 trillion ($410 million) from the issuance of bonds.

In addition, international financial organisations are expected to provide the remaining budget of approximately VNĐ6.9 trillion ($283 million).

The project is expected to operate trial runs at the end of 2025.

The metro line No5, passing through the capital city’s inner districts of Ba Đình, Đống Đa, Cầu Giấy, Nam Từ Liêm and outer districts of Hoài Đức, Quốc Oai and Thạch Thất, will connect crowded residential areas with the satellite residential area of Hoà Lạc, in a bid to reduce population density in overcrowded districts.

The urban metro line No5, once established, will connect with metro lines No2, 3, 4, 6, 7 and 8, enabling quick and convenient commuting from suburban areas to the city centre.