Ho Chi Minh City extends metro hours, boosts security for Reunification Day celebrations

Ho Chi Minh City has announced extended operating hours and increased train frequency on metro line No. 1 to accommodate crowds ahead of Vietnam's 50th Reunification Day (April 30) and International Workers' Day (May 1) holiday.

According to the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Transport and Public Works, the metro line will operate from 5:00 am to 11:00 pm on April 25, 28, and 29 with 210 trips per day, up by 10 trips compared to the usual schedule.

Metro trains will run every 8-12 minutes.

On April 26-27 and on May 1-4, the service will maintain the same operating hours, but with 223 trips daily and tighter intervals between trainsevery 8, 10, or 12 minutes.

On April 30, the line will start operating even earlier, from 4:30 am, with additional trips scheduled for the expected surge in riders.

The changes come as large crowds have already been observed at key downtown stations such as Ben Thanh, Opera House, and Ba Son, especially in the evenings, as people flock to witness parade rehearsals and event preparations.

Many young people have opted for metro travel to avoid traffic congestion in the city center during this period.

To support the influx, the department has requested the metro operator, Ho Chi Minh City Urban Railway No. 1 Co. Ltd., to implement passenger flow management plans at each station and assign extra staff to guide and assist commuters.

Authorities have also announced road closures across central districts during the holiday events, with limited vehicle access and reduced parking availability.

Residents are encouraged to use public transportation, including metro and buses, to ease congestion.

Additional police units will be deployed to monitor and manage traffic in affected zones.

Streets within the restricted area include Le Duan, Nguyen Van Chiem, Le Quy Don, Huyen Tran Cong Chua, Le Van Huu, Han Thuyen, Alexandre De Rhodes, Cong Xa Paris, Dang Tran Con, Thu Khoa Huan, Nguyen Trung Truc, Dong Khoi, and surrounding areas.

Authorities urged residents and visitors to stay informed about changes and cooperate to ensure safe and smooth travel during the commemorative events.

To mark the 50th anniversary of the liberation of southern Vietnam and Reunification Day on April 30, a series of events will be organized in Ho Chi Minh City, including a grand military parade, a drone light show, fireworks displays, street festivities, and others.

To ensure wide public access, the city will deploy 21 LED screens across districts and Thu Duc City, allowing thousands to watch the live parade and events.

Minh Duy - Thu Dung / Tuoi Tre News

(2025/04/25-17:25)