Four years after its official commercial launch on November 6, 2021, Urban Railway Line 2A, Cat Linh – Ha Dong, has become an indispensable part of the capital’s public transport system. Overcoming numerous challenges during its construction, Vietnam’s first metro line now stands as a symbol of Hanoi’s efforts to modernize its urban transportation.
The project, with the Ministry of Transport as the investor and operated by the Hanoi Railway Company Limited (Hanoi Metro), began construction in October 2011. The line spans 13.05 km, running entirely on an elevated viaduct, with 12 stations from Cat Linh Station (Dong Da District) to Yen Nghia Station (Ha Dong District).
Since commencing operations, the Cat Linh – Ha Dong line has proven the vital role of mass rapid transit. According to data from Hanoi Metro, the line has served tens of millions of passengers, significantly helping to reduce traffic pressure on the Nguyen Trai – Tran Phu corridor, one of the city’s busiest routes.
Notably, the metro line has gradually changed the commuting habits of residents. The image of green trains moving rhythmically overhead has become a familiar sight, offering a punctual, safe, and civilized travel option. The trains operate with near-perfect punctuality (over 99%), building strong trust among passengers.
Looking back at its journey from a project fraught with difficulties to a beneficial public utility, the Cat Linh – Ha Dong line is more than just a transportation project. It serves as a valuable lesson for the future development of the urban railway network for both Hanoi and Vietnam, affirming the inevitable trend of modern public transport in megacities.
