Hanoi launches major rail project to boost public transport, urban growth

Hanoi is set to commence construction on five key metro lines on June 22, signaling a new era for public transportation and urban expansion in the Vietnamese capital. This multi-line approach represents a strategic shift from individual route development to coordinated investment, aiming to establish a comprehensive, high-capacity public transport network more efficiently.

This large-scale urban rail investment program is foundational for Hanoi's master plan, which envisions 979km of urban rail lines by 2030, with a target of 500km completed by 2035. The new lines are designed to serve as crucial transport corridors, guiding urban development towards a polycentric model. Beyond alleviating traffic congestion, they are expected to unlock new development spaces, foster new urban areas, and revitalize existing districts.

The projects benefit from special mechanisms enacted by the National Assembly, streamlining investment procedures and project preparation. Land clearance has been separated into independent projects, allowing for early implementation. All five lines are strategically vital to Hanoi's future transport network and are slated for completion by 2030. They will integrate with existing lines, forming a cohesive public transport system that will further propel economic growth and the development of a green, smart, and connected city.