Apparently, hopefully, if all things go to plan, the Hanoi Metro will finally begin operation of the first line on May 1. Given how many years it’s been delayed, I won’t believe it until the first paying passenger passes through the ticket barrier. If it does open as planned, I will be booking a trip to Hanoi in May to review it.

Meanwhile in Saigon, another section of Le Loi Street (one of the main downtown roads) is about to be returned to public use after years of being sealed off for metro construction.

[Metro construction next to the Rex Hotel.]

I have urban railways on the brain as I continue to highlight the various provincial transit systems that are planned in Southeast Asia. This week is Cebu.

I went to Cebu in 2012, and unfortunately, I didn’t write about it so I don’t remember much of the trip. I do remember trying to get in and out of crowded Jeepneys, so I would welcome a transit system that travels above the traffic.

[Jeepney in Cebu, 2012.]

Latest Posts At Future Southeast Asia

Cebu Monorail – A 2-line transit system connecting Mactan Cebu Airport to Cebu City

Updated Posts

Thailand

From Bangkok to Nong Khai: China’s Thai railway vision edges forward

• Added to Bangkok–Nong Khai high-speed railway

Vietnam

Deadline for Thu Thiem 2 Bridge project completion extended to September 9

• Added to Thu Thiem 2 Bridge

Fear in Binh Thuan after real estate project wreaks havoc

“Many Binh Thuan residents are living in fear after their homes were flooded with muddy sand from an uphill real estate project during a downpour. Almost a week after flood waters mixed with sand and mud from the Goldsand Hill Villa real estate project spilled over and into the Manta Sail Training Center”.

• Added to Future Phan Thiet / Mui Ne, Binh Thuan Province

Other News

Cambodia

Economic zone planned in Mondulkiri sanctuary

“The Mondulkiri Provincial Administration has requested the Ministry of Interior to allocate more than 3,000ha of land in the Nam Lear Wildlife Sanctuary, which is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Environment, for the construction of a new border gate and administrative infrastructure.”

Sihanoukville port terminal construction delayed

63 construction workers found infected with COVID-19

Indonesia

Sumitomo Mitsui Construction to build part of phase 2 of Jakarta MRT

MRT Jakarta Phase 2 project may erase city history: Archaeologist

“Senior archaeologist in the National Cultural Heritage Expert Team (TACB), Junus Satrio Atmodjo, opined that the MRT Jakarta Phase 2 construction project would possibly erase a lot of historical data of the city. Thus, he underlined that cultural heritage found during the construction must be protected.”

Ready to live in darkness: Villagers around Kediri's new airport say they'll never leave

Laos

Japan, Thailand, Vietnam Vie with China for influence in impoverished, landlocked Laos

“Laos is getting a new round of aid and investment offers this year as foreign governments hope to dilute China’s increasing influence over the poor, landlocked country, observers in the region say.”

Malaysia

Heritage group: Convent Bukit Nanas intertwined with Malaysia’s history, must be preserved

Where’s the love for vanished Seremban Convent?

“If one missionary school tradition in Kuala Lumpur was maintained last week with the rescue of Convent Bukit Nanas, murmurings of discontent rose afresh in Seremban over another Convent that was destroyed 27 years ago.”

Philippines

Just how many airports does the National Capital Region really need?

Airport upgrade seen to boost Siquijor’s tourism appeal

Underground work for Metro Manila subway to start in Q4

Singapore

Land-starved Singapore gets creative with solar in clean energy push

Singapore leads green architecture and sustainable building design in Asia – here’s why

Blackstone eyes Singapore property after $132 million deal

“Blackstone Group Inc. is seeking to invest in more properties in Singapore to capitalize on rising demand for office space among technology firms expanding in the city-state.”

Thailand

Ministry fails to halt ฿25.4 billion payment order to Hong Kong based firm linked to 1990 contract

“The ongoing saga began with a rail contract in 1990 which was hampered by corruption in acquiring land, a coup, a government suspension and finally the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis before it was cancelled by the cabinet in 1998.” 

Krabi welcomes longest recycled road in SEA

“The road is about 3km long and made from 10,270kg of single-use plastic waste.”

Nothing, just nothing, was going to stop this Bangkok road crew from pouring cement today (Video)

Vietnam

Solving VN railways' construction deadlock

“Integrating national and inter-regional railways with an urban transport system is a direction that can be chosen by megacities like Hanoi.”

Old villas need allocated fund, tourism promotion to last: Experts

Da Nang plans central square to invigorate tourism

How Saigon's V.A.R Building epitomizes Vietnam's architectural autonomy

Officials to inspect construction of disproportionate Statue of Liberty replica in northern Vietnam

I’m not surprised that this is in Sapa, though Phu Quoc would have been my other guess. I’m still working on my Phu Quoc trip report, so stay tuned!