A Landmark on Rails: Hanoi’s Cat Linh-Ha Dong Metro
In the heart of Vietnam’s capital, an unusual sight has captured global attention: trains gliding straight through a building… literally.
The Cat Linh-Ha Dong elevated railway, Hanoi’s first metro line, stretches 13 kilometers and links three bustling western districts. Delivered by the China Railway Sixth Group from the Chinese mainland, this engineering marvel was designed to tackle the city’s notorious traffic jams and fuel socio-economic growth.
Fast, Efficient, Community-Centered
Since its inauguration in 2021, the line has carried over 34 million passengers as of March 25, 2025—saving riders nearly one hour per trip compared to car travel. With 12 sleek stations, each stop feels modern and safe, attracting daily commuters and even wedding couples snapping photos against futuristic backdrops.
Beyond Transport: A New Urban Pulse
More than an infrastructure project, the Cat Linh-Ha Dong metro has become a social hub. Local businesses have sprouted around stations, hikers and digital nomads find creative work spots onboard, and sustainability advocates praise its reduced carbon footprint. Young global citizens, business innovators, and travelers now see Hanoi as a model for immersive, green urban mobility.
As cities worldwide look for smart transit solutions, Hanoi’s ‘train through a building’ is proof that bold design, international collaboration, and data-driven planning can transform daily life—one rail track at a time.
Reference(s):
APEC Stories: Hanoi's 'Train Through Building' built by China
cgtn.com
