Songs and selfies ring in Ho Chi Minh City's $1.7bn inaugural metro line

After 17 years in the making, Japanese-led project is ready for riders

Ho Chi Minh City became one of Asia's last hubs to have its own rapid transit after many years of red tape, cost overruns and payment disputes. (Photo by Lien Hoang)

LIEN HOANG, Nikkei staff writer

December 23, 2024 15:27 JST

HO CHI MINH CITY -- Ho Chi Minh City's first metro line hit the tracks Sunday, ending a nearly two-decade wait for the Japanese project marked by payment disputes and spiraling costs.

Hundreds queued and some broke into song for their first ride on the 19.7-km Ho Chi Minh City Metro Line No. 1. The city of nearly 10 million was one of Asia's last major urban centers not to have a metro.