Transport Hanoi Greenlights Groundbreaking Urban Rail Expansion

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Photo courtesy of VN Express

 

In a significant move to revolutionise Hanoi's public transport, the city is set to break ground on two major urban railway projects in the final quarter of 2025. This is part of an ambitious plan aimed at alleviating the persistent traffic congestion besetting the Vietnamese capital.

 

According to the government's master plan approval for the 2021–2030 period with a visionary nod towards 2050, Hanoi envisions the development of 14 new metro lines. Now, efforts are accelerating for the construction of line No. 2 (Nam Thang Long – Tran Hung Dao) and line No. 5 (Van Cao – Hoa Lac). These projects are scheduled to commence on 10th October and 19th December, respectively.

 

Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee, Duong Duc Tuan, has charged all relevant departments and local authorities with swiftly executing city directives. He emphasises the importance of addressing any obstacles expeditiously, to ensure a smooth development process.

 

Line No. 2, stretching 11.5 kilometres, will be a combination of 8.9 km underground and 2.6 km elevated tracks. This line will feature seven underground and three elevated stations. The investment for this ambitious project amounts to approximately 35.6 trillion VND (around 1.6 billion Thai Baht), a substantial rise from its initial 2008 approval.

 

The route begins at Nam Thang Long and weaves through major areas such as Nguyen Van Huyen, Hoang Quoc Viet, and culminates at Tran Hung Dao Street, traversing the bustling Old Quarter.

 

Line No. 5, at 38 kilometres, represents the longest addition to Hanoi’s metro network. The route starts from the Van Cao – Hoang Hoa Tham intersection and courses through Ngoc Khanh and along Thang Long Boulevard, finally reaching Hoa Lac. It aligns closely with existing roads to minimise land clearance and cost implications.

 

This line will host 21 stations, featuring a mix of six underground and 15 ground-level stops. Its total investment is pegged at over 61.9 trillion VND (approximately 2.8 billion Thai Baht), sourced through Official Development Assistance, the city’s budget, and public-private partnerships.

 

The introduction of Line No. 5 is projected to significantly enhance connectivity between central Hanoi and key development areas, including the Hoa Lac Hi-tech Park, Vietnam National University’s emerging campus, and the budding Hoa Lac urban area. This improved accessibility is expected to stimulate socio-economic growth along the city's western corridor.

 

With these projects, Hanoi aims to transform its transport landscape, offering citizens a modern, efficient means of commuting, and potentially setting a benchmark for urban development across Southeast Asia.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from VN Express 2025-07-31

 

 

[Watawattana]

Great news. I hope this contributes to better air quality.