Hanoi has set an ambitious goal to complete over 410 kilometers of urban railway by 2035, with a total network of 15 lines spanning more than 616 kilometers by 2065. This initiative aims to transform the city’s public transportation system, making it modern, efficient, and capable of supporting the growing demands of its residents.

Long-term vision for Hanoi's urban railway network

During a year-end conference on December 30, Nguyen Phi Thuong, Director of Hanoi’s Department of Transport, outlined the city’s transportation development plans.

According to the Capital Region Transport Master Plan 2030–2050, adjusted in line with the overall Hanoi Capital Development Plan 2045–2065, Hanoi’s urban railway system will eventually consist of 15 lines with a combined length of approximately 616.9 kilometers.

To date, only 21.5 kilometers of this network are operational, including:

Line 2A: Cat Linh – Ha Dong (13 km).
Line 3 (elevated section): Nhon – Cau Giay (8.5 km).
This accounts for just 4% of the planned total.

Goals and timelines

By 2035: Completion of 410.8 kilometers of urban railway lines.
By 2045: An additional 200.7 kilometers to reach the target of 616.9 kilometers.

Overcoming challenges

Director Thuong acknowledged the ambitious nature of the plan, emphasizing the need for exceptional policies and mechanisms to accelerate progress. These include:

1.     Streamlined approvals and funding mechanisms:

o   Special policies for land acquisition, compensation, and resettlement to expedite projects.

o   Prioritization of public investment, supported by public-private partnerships (PPP) to reduce reliance on state budgets.

2.     Standards and workforce development:

o   Establishing sector-specific standards for urban railway construction.

o   Training skilled personnel to meet the demands of the growing system.

3.     Technological advancements and international cooperation:

o   Applying modern technology to enhance efficiency.

o   Collaborating with international consultants to ensure high-quality project planning and execution.

Proposed network

The urban railway network will feature 10 main lines as per the Capital Region Transport Master Plan, including:

Line 1: Ngoc Hoi – Yen Vien (38 km).
Line 2: Nam Thang Long – Soc Son (47 km).
Line 2A: Cat Linh – Ha Dong, extended to Xuan Mai (33 km).
Line 3: Nhon – Hanoi Station, extended to Son Tay (57 km).
Line 4: Me Linh – Sai Dong – Lien Ha (54 km).
Line 5: Van Cao – Hoa Lac (38 km).
Line 6: Noi Bai – Ngoc Hoi (43 km).
Line 7: Ha Dong – Me Linh (28 km).
Line 8: Son Dong – Mai Dich, extended to Duong Xa (39 km).
Line 9: Son Tay – Hoa Lac – Xuan Mai (32 km).

An additional five lines will be added as per the adjusted Capital Development Plan, including:

Line 1A: Ngoc Hoi – Second Southern Airport (29 km).
Line 9 Extension: Me Linh – Co Loa – Duong Xa (48 km).
Line 10: Cat Linh – Lang Ha – Le Van Luong – Yen Nghia (12 km).
Line 11: Ring Road 2 – Southern Axis – Second Southern Airport (42km).
Line 12: Xuan Mai – Phu Xuyen (45 km).

To achieve these goals, Hanoi plans to:

Maximize funding efficiency: Strengthen public investment and attract private sector participation through PPP models.

Ensure technical readiness: Develop a national framework for urban railway standards and regulations.

Leverage international expertise: Partner with global consultants and institutions for project planning and execution.

Train and retain talent: Build a specialized workforce to manage and maintain the expanding network.

Integrate technologies: Apply advancements in transportation technology to enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability.

Hanoi aims to meet its ambitious targets by aligning local, national, and international efforts. The urban railway system is expected to boost the city's public transportation capacity, achieving a public transit share of 50-55% by 2035 and 65-70% beyond that.

N. Huyen