Hanoi has launched its most ambitious urban development program to date, breaking ground on five metro lines and three large-scale rental housing projects in a single day.
Hanoi on Monday launched five urban railway lines and three large-scale rental housing projects in what city leaders described as the most ambitious urban infrastructure program ever undertaken in the Vietnamese capital.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Hanoi People's Committee Chairman Vu Dai Thang said the city's 100-year master plan envisions Hanoi developing as a multi-polar, multi-centered metropolis, with new growth hubs connected through a modern and integrated infrastructure network.
Under the plan, Hanoi's long-term development framework will consist of nine growth poles, nine urban centers, nine development corridors and eight economic-urban belts, creating the foundation for the city's growth throughout the 21st century.
Vu Dai Thang said the urban railway system has been identified as the strategic backbone of Hanoi's future transport network and a critical tool for reshaping urban development patterns.
"The simultaneous groundbreaking of five urban railway lines, with a combined length of approximately 303.5 kilometers and an estimated investment of more than VND1.3 quadrillion (about USD50 billion), marks an especially important milestone," he said. "It represents Hanoi's transition from developing individual metro projects to gradually building a synchronized and modern urban railway network across the entire city."
Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Vu Dai Thang speaks at the groundbreaking ceremony.
According to city officials, this is the largest urban railway investment program ever implemented in Hanoi and among the biggest urban infrastructure initiatives launched simultaneously anywhere in Vietnam.
The five railway lines will directly connect Noi Bai International Airport, Hanoi Railway Station, Ngoc Hoi, Hoa Lac, Thu Lam, Co Loa and Ocean Park, as well as several key growth zones across the capital. Authorities aim to substantially complete all five routes by 2030.
Beyond easing traffic congestion, the projects are expected to support transit-oriented development, or TOD, a planning model that concentrates urban growth around public transport systems such as metro networks and bus rapid transit services.
Officials say the approach will help maximize land-use efficiency, strengthen regional connectivity and advance Hanoi's vision of becoming a multi-centered metropolis.
Hanoi pushes long-term rental housing strategy
Alongside transport development, Hanoi is also moving ahead with a new strategy aimed at expanding the city's rental housing market.
Vu Dai Thang said the initiative reflects guidance from General Secretary and State President To Lam and the Prime Minister regarding the development of long-term rental housing as an important component of social welfare policy.
The city plans to mobilize both public and private investment to build rental housing projects designed to meet growing demand from residents.
Artist's impression of a rental housing project in Viet Hung.
In the first phase, Hanoi will launch three projects comprising more than 8,000 apartments, with a combined investment exceeding VND30 trillion (about USD1.15 billion).
Two projects will be funded through public resources to establish a dedicated stock of rental housing, while a third large-scale development will be financed by a private-sector investor.
City officials said the goal is to gradually create a professional rental housing market that offers quality accommodation at affordable prices, while reducing pressure on home ownership and supporting a healthier, more sustainable real estate sector.
Future rental housing developments will be planned alongside urban railway corridors, employment centers, schools, hospitals and public services, creating integrated urban communities with convenient access to transportation and amenities.
Five priority metro lines
Metro Line 1 will stretch approximately 81 kilometers, connecting Hung Vuong Stadium, the railway industrial zone, Ngoc Hoi, Hanoi Railway Station, Yen Vien, Thu Lam New Urban Area and Noi Bai International Airport. The estimated investment is VND389.5 trillion (about USD15 billion).
Metro Line 2 will run approximately 56.5 kilometers from Noi Bai International Airport through Tran Hung Dao and Thuong Dinh to Hung Vuong Stadium. The project carries an estimated investment of VND271.7 trillion (about USD10.5 billion).
Metro Line 8 will extend approximately 91 kilometers, linking Hoa Lac, Son Dong, Mai Dich, Ring Road 3, Linh Nam and Duong Xa. Around 66 kilometers of the route will be located within Hanoi. The estimated investment is VND317.4 trillion (about USD12.2 billion).
Metro Line 10 will cover approximately 43 kilometers, connecting Co Loa, Vo Chi Cong, Ring Road 3, Ring Road 2.5 and Times City. The project is expected to require VND206.8 trillion (about USD8 billion).
Metro Line 14 will run approximately 32 kilometers, including about 27 kilometers within Hanoi, linking Thang Long Bridge, Hong Ha and Ocean Park. The Hanoi section is estimated to cost VND129.8 trillion (about USD5 billion).
All five routes are scheduled for substantial completion by 2030.
Vietnamnet.vn
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