Hanoi Approves West Lake Road Expansion, Including Over-Water Section

Hanoi is set to embark on a significant infrastructure project to enhance the scenic West Lake area. The city has approved plans to expand and upgrade the existing 13.5-kilometer road encircling the lake. A key feature of the project involves constructing an elevated road section, described as a "balcony," that will extend over the lake's surface without reducing its current water area.

While the existing residential areas will remain untouched, some parts of the road will be widened to 21 meters, with other sections adjusted according to the approved plan and practical conditions. The project also includes the development of public spaces such as squares, viewing platforms, a marina, parks, and underground parking facilities integrated with services and environmental protection structures.

The initiative is being financed through public-private partnerships (PPP), specifically using a build-transfer (BT) contract model where land is used for payment. The total estimated investment for the project is approximately 30.151 trillion Vietnamese dong (around $1.2 billion USD), with a target completion date of 2030. Additionally, new parking structures will be required to allocate at least 30% of their spaces for electric vehicle charging stations.