Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien Metro runs continuous test runs during Tet

Ho Chi Minh City 17 trains of Metro Line 1 (Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien) are being tested continuously during Tet, checking the systems for commercial operation from next July.

The train test run is being conducted by the contractor Hitachi (Japan) continuously for two days now, from 8am to 6pm. Then, from February 12 to 14 (the 3rd to 5th of Tet), the test will continue during the above time frame, without carrying passengers.

Every day, 3 trains will test the entire route, both elevated and underground, from Long Binh depot (Thu Duc City) to Ben Thanh station (District 1) and vice versa. Along with testing the trains, the contractor will check all related functions such as: signal system, platform barrier doors, telecommunications, control center, overhead power supply...

Metro train runs across Dien Bien Phu street, Binh Thanh district. Photo: Gia Minh — Metro train runs across Dien Bien Phu street, Binh Thanh district. Photo: *Gia Minh*

According to the HCM City Urban Railway Project Management Board (MAUR - the investor), this test run has about 40 personnel directly in charge, most of whom are experts from Europe and Japan, divided into many implementation groups. 17 trains of the metro line are being tested continuously to take advantage of the Tet holiday, when some construction and installation activities... are temporarily suspended.

According to the design, the elevated section of Metro Line 1 allows trains to run at a maximum speed of 110 km/h, and 80 km/h in the underground section, but the testing process will run at a low speed to ensure safety. "The systems of Metro Line 1 will operate almost completely automatically when put into operation, so the testing is to ensure that all equipment can 'communicate' with each other, helping to operate smoothly and safely," said the investor representative.

Previously, in 2023, Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien Metro trains were tested on the entire line many times, including internal technical inspections and carrying tourists. Train operations are being increased to help speed up the process of checking and adjusting the entire system, in preparation for commercial operation of the metro line this year.

The trains of Metro Line 1 are made in Japan, have three cars, and can accommodate 930 passengers (147 seated and 783 standing). This train line uses the information-based train control (CBTC) system, which is widely used in many countries such as Japan, China, Singapore, Thailand, etc. This system relies on wireless communication, real-time two-way transmission of information about the location, speed of the train, and distance between trains for control during operation.

The Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien Metro Line has a total investment of over VND43,700 billion, is nearly 20 km long, with three underground stations and 11 elevated stations. This is the first urban railway project in Ho Chi Minh City, currently reaching more than 97% of the volume after nearly 12 years of construction. Ho Chi Minh City is also implementing Metro Line No. 2, Ben Thanh - Tham Luong section, with a total investment of nearly VND47,900 billion.

Gia Minh

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