Hanoi Metro Line 2A, commonly referred to as the Cát Linh–Hà Đông line, is a rapid transit line that forms part of the Hanoi Metro system in Hanoi, Vietnam. It is the first operational line of the network and serves as a north‑south corridor connecting the Cát Linh district in the city centre with the Hà Đông district in the southwestern suburbs.
Overview
- Type: Rapid transit (metro)
- System: Hanoi Metro
- Status: Operational (commercial service began on 6 November 2021)
- Owner: Hanoi Metropolitan Authority
- Operator: Hanoi Metro Company Limited (HMCL)
- Length: Approximately 13.1 km (8.1 mi)
- Tracks: Dual‑track, standard gauge (1 435 mm)
- Electrification: 750 V DC third rail
Route and Stations
The line runs predominantly underground in the central sections, with elevated sections toward its termini. It comprises 12 stations:
- Cát Linh (interchange with future Line 3)
- Đống Đa
- Ngọc Khánh
- Giáp Bát
- La Khe
- Thượng Đình
- Phùng Khoang
- Văn Miếu
- Láng Hạ
- Pháp Văn
- Nhân Cơ
- Hà Đông (terminus)
Construction History
- Planning: The concept for a metro system in Hanoi was incorporated into the Hanoi Urban Transport Master Plan (2005) and subsequently into national transportation development strategies.
- Financing: The line was financed through a public‑private partnership (PPP) framework, with significant funding from the Japanese government in the form of Official Development Assistance (ODA) and a loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
- Contractors: Construction was awarded to a consortium jointly led by the Japan‑based Shimizu Corporation and the South Korean firm Samsung C&T, along with Vietnamese partners.
- Timeline: Groundbreaking occurred in 2011. Major construction milestones included tunnel boring, station fit‑out, track installation, and system integration. Initial commercial operation was delayed several times due to technical, safety, and testing issues, ultimately commencing service in late 2021.
Technical Features
- Rolling Stock: The line utilizes 12–14 six‑car trainsets built by CRRC Qingdao Sifang (China). Each train is equipped with AC traction motors, regenerative braking, and passenger information systems.
- Signalling: Alstom’s Urbalis 400 Communications‑Based Train Control (CBTC) system provides moving‑block signalling, enabling headways as low as 2 minutes under peak conditions.
- Fare System: Integrated ticketing uses stored‑value cards (e.g., the “Metro Card”) and contactless payment options, compatible with other public‑transport modes in Hanoi.
Ridership and Service
- Upon launch, the line operated with a 7‑am to 10‑pm service window, later extended to 6 am–11 pm.
- Initial ridership figures were modest, reflecting the newness of the system and limited network connectivity. Projections anticipate increased patronage as additional lines (e.g., Lines 3 and 4) become operational, creating a comprehensive metropolitan network.
Future Developments
- Extensions: Plans have been discussed to extend the line further southward toward the city’s new urban development zones, though detailed project specifications remain pending.
- Network Integration: The line will interconnect with forthcoming lines, enhancing multimodal transfer options and aiming to reduce reliance on private motor vehicles in the capital region.
References
- Hanoi Metropolitan Authority, “Hanoi Metro Development Plan,” 2010–2025.
- Japan International Cooperation Agency, “Project Overview: Hanoi Metro Line 2A,” 2012.
- Alstom, “Urbalis 400 CBTC Deployments – Hanoi Metro,” 2020.
All information reflects publicly available sources up to June 2026.