The elevated section of Hanoi Metro Line 3 (8 stations) has been officially inaugurated on 09 November 2024. It will connect Nhon to Cau Giay over approximately 8 km, offering an environmentally friendly mode of transportation and helping to alleviate congestion in the capital of Vietnam. The construction works of the underground section (4 additional stations connecting to Hanoi Railway Station) have also started last 30 July, and will extend the line to Hanoi Railway Station.
This milestone marks an important step in a project heralded as a prominent example of international cooperation in sustainable urban transport, involving Vietnam, France and global financiers — the French Development Agency (AFD), the European Investment Bank (EIB), and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), while also supporting Vietnam’s green transition in line with the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) by promoting low-carbon, public transportation options to reduce urban emissions.
Support from France, AFD, EIB and ADB
Line 3 benefits from significant financial support from France, which, through the Directorate General of the Treasury (Ministry of Economy, Finance and Industrial and Digital Sovereignty) and the AFD, has provided concessional financing to Vietnam totaling over 500 million euros. The ADB and the EIB’s global arm, EIB Global, also contributed widely to its funding, with ADB providing $407.8 million and EIB Global contributing 141 million euros.
The project also benefited from the technologies and expertise of leading industrial companies in the sector, working closely with their Vietnamese partners. Alstom, Thales, and Colas Rail (France) provided the rolling stock, signaling and communication systems, as well as the tracks and electromechanical equipment for the stations. Additionally, RATP Smart Systems (France) supplied the ticketing system. Daelim (Korea), Posco (Korea), VINACONEX (Vietnam) and Hancorp (Vietnam) were involved in civil works (Viaduct and depot). Hyundai E&C (Korea) and Ghella S.p.A (Italy) held the launching ceremony of the Tunnel Boring Machines for the underground section on 30 July 2024, and construction works are currently underway. In terms of consultancy, Systra (France) has supported Hanoi’s Metropolitan Railway Management Board (MRB) in project implementation as a consulting engineer, while Bureau Veritas, APAVE, and Certifer have participated in the certification of the line.
The inauguration of the elevated section of Hanoi Metro Line 3 – the second line to become operational in Vietnam – demonstrates the capability of Vietnamese and international teams to successfully undertake complex and ambitious urban transport projects. It also reflects the commitment of partner countries and international financial institutions to support Vietnam in combating climate change by providing the country with technical solutions that meet the highest international standards. Upon its completion, the Metro Line 3 is expected to contribute to reduce 33,150 tons of CO2 equivalent per annum.
Hanoi Metro Line 3 expansion
Line 3 is expected to continue its route under Tran Hung Dao Street and then southwards to Hoang Mai. For this extension, Vietnam expects to receive financial support from the Team Europe, including AFD, and KfW Development Bank, and the ADB.
“The opening of this section of Hanoi Metro Line 3, the second line in the country to become operational, demonstrates the ability of Franco-Vietnamese teams to successfully undertake ambitious infrastructure projects in the rail transport sector. It also underscores our country’s commitment to supporting Vietnam in its transition to a low-carbon economy, notably by providing the country with technologies that meet the highest international standards. French companies and institutions will build upon the knowledge gained during this project and will continue to participate in various ongoing rail mobility projects in the country. This way, we hope to play an instrumental role to the decarbonization of Vietnamese transport. As a Comprehensive Strategic Partner, innovation and sustainable development are core priorities of our bilateral relationship. Through such projects and other, we hope to play an instrumental role to the decarbonization of Vietnamese transports and be on Vietnam’s side for other innovative projects,” says Olivier Brochet, Ambassador of France to Vietnam.
“The new line 3 combined with adequate bus network will be a game changer for the sustainable urban transport in Hanoi. Beyond low carbon transition, such infrastructure will have a huge impact on the living conditions in Hanoi. It will profit to the Hanoi people and modify their daily mobility in a safer, cleaner and more comfortable way,” said Hervé Conan, AFD Director in Vietnam.
EIB Vice-President Nicola Beer, who is in charge of Bank’s operations in Southeast Asia said that the “Development of Hanoi Metro Line 3, including the newly inaugurated elevated section, marks the first delivery under the Just Energy Transition Partnership and underscores our commitment to sustainable transport in Vietnam. Once fully operational, Line 3 is expected to serve up to 90 million passengers annually, helping to boost public transport usage in Hanoi from 15% to 40% and bringing Vietnam closer to its net-zero emissions goal by 2050. It has been a great opportunity to collaborate with our Vietnamese and international partners on such an impactful project, combining our expertise to bring effective sustainable mobility solutions along with leading European technologies.”
“Urban vehicles in Asia’s cities are doubling every six years, and are a major source of greenhouse gas. Many of these cities, including Ha Noi, suffer from very high air pollution, with as much as 80% of such pollution attributable to transport. To address this, ADB is working extensively with its member countries to develop comprehensive and integrated transport systems. Hanoi metro line 3 will provide affordable, reliable, and safe public transport. In addition, it will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and cut travel time along the project corridor by 25%,” added Shantanu Chakraborty, ADB Country Director for Vietnam.
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