Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien metro train carriage replica
Over the years, touring Nguyen Hue Street on the 1st day of the Lunar New Year has become an unskippable sightseeing tradition among Saigon residents. Every Tet season, the entirety of Nguyen Hue Street is dedicated to showcasing floral creations with which visitors can create beautiful snapshots.
This year, visitors at Nguyen Hue Street will enjoy an unprecedented new year sightseeing experience. Aside from a myriad of flowers and intriguing plants to view, visitors can tour a life-sized replica of a Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien metro train carriage, a part of this year’s festive exhibit, for free.
Inside the train carriage replica of Metro line no.1
The interiors of Saigon’s first metro train
Image credit: HCMC METRO
Connecting District 1, Binh Thanh District, District 2, District 9, and Thu Duc New City, the Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien metro line, also known as Metro line no. 1, is part of Saigon’s first rapid transit system.
The real metro train carriage
Image credit: HCMC METRO
According to HCMC METRO, the train carriages for Ho Chi Minh City’s first metro line were built in Japan and shipped to Saigon in October last year.
The train carriage replica
While the metro stations are still cordoned off for construction and furnishing work, the Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien metro operator has offered us a glimpse into the city’s future largest public transit system through a train carriage display.
Situated right in front of the Times Square Hotel at 22-36 Nguyen Hue Street, the replica of the Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien metro train carriage has two platform screen double doors.
Inside the train carriage, visitors will find ample seating and standing area, as well as wheelchair space.
The train is also decked out with numerous handles, grab poles, and an emergency intercom system for convenience and safety.
The train carriage also boasts plenty of windows to bring in natural light, which is a big aesthetic plus.
From their seats, visitors can savor the views of the vibrant streets and rows of colorful Tet flowers.
Look up above the windows of the train carriage for information about the construction background and progress of the first metro line, as well as route maps and electronic travel information.
About the Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien metro line
Construction site of Ba Son metro station
Image adapted from: HCMC METRO
After many years of delays and restructuring, the construction of Saigon’s first metro system finally picked up earlier last year.
In April 2020, the Opera House metro station was the first metro station to be completed, followed by the rapid development of the railway network in Ba Son Shipyard station. The metro trains, built by Japan’s reputable trainmaker Hitachi, were also shipped to Saigon in October last year.
The planned route of Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien metro line, starting from Ben Thanh station (District 1) and ending at Suoi Tien Station (District 9).
Image credit: Metro Saigon WordPress
Stretching 19.7KM, the Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien metro line runs from the city center at Ben Thanh station in District 1 in the west towards the densely populated Binh Thanh District and District 2 in the east. The route ends at Suoi Tien Station in District 9, Saigon’s largest industrial and technological hub.
Image adapted from: HCMC METRO
The first stage of the Metro line no.1 operation will introduce 3 train carriages with a total of 61.5m in length. In the subsequent launch, the number of train carriages will be added to make a total of 6. Each train carriage can carry up to 930 riders, with a total of 147 seats and enough standing capacity for 783 riders.
The train can reach a maximum speed of 110km/h when above ground and 80km/h when underground.
Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien metro train carriage replica on display
Struck with numerous COVID-19 outbreaks and safety restrictions, 2020 was not a smooth-sailing year for local businesses. The Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien metro operator was no exception, as the company had to cope with numerous difficulties, from the financial downturn to the challenges of shipping construction materials from Japan to Vietnam.
However, with the upcoming opening of the comprehensive railway network, local residents will be able to experience the convenience of metro transport in the foreseeable future. Through the replica of the Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien metro train carriage, we can be rest assured that the construction of the city’s largest public transit system is right on track.
Also check out:
- The Opera House station of Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien metro line is completed ahead of schedule
- Vietnamese woman gives birth on a commuter train
- 8 creative Tet gift sets to send your friends and families this year
- Vietnam invents new COVID-19 testing technology
- Vietnamese give their homes fancy upgrades while social distancing
Cover image adapted from: The Smart Local Vietnam
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