Metro Line No. 1 (Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien) has begun its trial operation phase, with the participation of nearly 500 personnel. The trial phase lasts until November 17, 2024.

Metro Line No. 1 (Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien) has entered the trial operation phase since October 14, marking an important milestone in the journey of developing a modern public transport system in Ho Chi Minh City. The trial phase is expected to last until November 17, 2024, with the participation of nearly 500 well-trained personnel.

On October 13, 2024, Urban Railway Company No. 1 (HURC1) held a meeting with employees and officially launched the trial operation of the metro line. Director of HURC1, Mr. Le Minh Triet, emphasized that after many years of preparation, the staff participating in the operation have been thoroughly trained by foreign contractors and experts. These are the key personnel, playing a fundamental role in the future of the Ho Chi Minh City urban railway system.

During the trial operation phase, trains will operate at a frequency of 4 minutes and 30 seconds between each trip, similar to the official commercial operation. To ensure readiness for this phase, all employees have passed a rigorous test conducted by the NJPT Consulting Joint Venture, ensuring a firm grasp of the operating procedures and skills to handle arising situations.

The staff involved in the test will have to handle 47 different scenarios, including emergency situations. HURC1 headquarters will coordinate closely to resolve incidents, provide on-site instructions to ensure maximum safety for the system. This is the stage for the staff to apply the knowledge they have learned into practice, draw experience and overcome difficulties before the metro line officially enters operation.

.Also at the launch ceremony, the leaders of HURC1 handed over the decision to establish two important enterprises: the Operation Enterprise and the Maintenance Enterprise. The Operation Enterprise will be responsible for daily operations, focusing on the train drivers, station staff and support departments, to ensure safe and convenient services for passengers. Meanwhile, the Maintenance Enterprise is responsible for managing and maintaining the entire technical system, including locomotives and infrastructure, ensuring continuity and safety for the entire system.

The establishment of these two enterprises demonstrates HURC1's commitment to building a modern public transport system, while creating a foundation for the city's sustainable development in the future.

In the next three months, HURC1 will focus on completing important tasks, including staff training, construction inspection, completing legal corridors and ensuring financial resources. In particular, the company will promote digital transformation to improve management and operational efficiency.

According to the HCM City Urban Railway Management Board, the bidding packages of the metro line 1 project are now 99.9% complete. The unit is urgently carrying out acceptance, system safety inspection, fire prevention and fighting, and registration. The remaining stages will be completed in the coming time to prepare for the metro line to officially be put into commercial operation in 2024.

.It is expected that from November 18 to 31, the System Safety Assessment Consultant will complete the safety assessment reports to submit to the Railway Department for safety assessment in accordance with the provisions of the Railway Law. On that basis, the State Acceptance Council for Construction Works under the Ministry of Construction will conduct acceptance to approve the project for commercial operation, expected in December.