Hanoi metro projects a thorn in the flesh

After enormous public outcry over record-high extra costs and record-long delays, Hanoi’s first metro line, Cat Linh-Ha Dong, finally entered operation, thank God.

Now, similar public resentment is brewing over the city’s second metro project, Nhon-Hanoi Station.

Groundbreaking for this route occurred in September 2010. At the time, authorities said it was scheduled for completion in 2016 with a total investment of over VND18,400 billion ($793 million).

Over time, after approved adjustments to investment expenditures in 2016, 2017 and 2018, expenses had soared to over $1.29 billion.

Now, Hanoi Urban Railway Management Board is proposing to have the figure raised to $1.49 billion, almost double the initial estimated cost. It is also seeking permission to delay completion to 2029, 13 years behind the initial timeline.

How much more will expenses increase and schedules derail?

The latest proposal has again disappointed many Hanoians, especially since construction has affected the backbone road from central Hanoi to outlying districts.

According to the management board, equipment contracts have seen both implementation time and costs extended due to the Covid-19 pandemic, which delayed and disrupted manufacturing and importing of equipment and prevented the travel of specialists from Europe. Other problems include site clearance and disputes with international contractors due to delays.

But the public is tired of the same old explanations.

Under its plan, Hanoi would have nine urban railway lines, which would make up a 318-kilometer railway network by 2050.

But the above-mentioned two projects are bad precedents. Someone must surely take responsibility for this mess. Transparency is vital to avoid similar problems from reoccurring in future as the country gears up to modernize its urban transport systems.