The EU would continue to support the local authorities for the soon completion of the metro line Nhon – Hanoi Train Station, with financial backing from the French Government, the French Development Agency (AFD), and the European Investment Bank (EIB).

Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Chu Ngoc Anh and EC Vice President Francs Timmermans. Photos: Pham Cong

Vice President of the European Commission Francs Timmermans gave the remarks during his visit to the construction site today [February 19].

Timmermans highlighted Hanoi’s efforts in gearing up the project, seen as a symbol for the close relationship between the EU and Vietnam.

Accompanying Timmermans at the site, Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Chu Ngoc Anh thanked the EU for assisting the capital city in completing the Nhon – Hanoi station urban railway project.

Delegates on the train.

Anh called for the bloc’s further attention for the project and also for similar ones in the future.

The mayor of Hanoi stressed the strategic significance of the project for local socio-economic development while urging contractors and local agencies to overcome difficulties for the urban railway line to start commercial operation as scheduled.

Deputy Head of the Hanoi Urban Railway Management Unit Tran Ba Son noted nearly 75% of the project’s work volume has so far been completed, which remains on track to operate by late 2022.

Delegates at the station.

Son noted the local agencies are working with donors to seek additional ODA loans of around EUR21.07 million ($23.8 million) for the project, which is pending approval from the French Government and the AFD.

Once completed, it would connect the city’s western suburb to the center and surrounding areas. The metro line, running 12.5 kilometers, including four kilometers underground, consists of eight elevated stations, four underground stations, and one depot located in Nhon.