Hanoi will simultaneously break ground on five urban railway projects linked to transit-oriented development (TOD) on June 22, with preliminary investment estimated at more than VND1.3 quadrillion, equivalent to roughly $51 billion.

The projects are being viewed as a significant milestone in the capital’s effort to build a modern transportation network while creating new growth drivers for the 2026-2030 period.

According to the Hanoi People's Committee, investment in urban railways through public funding is a key priority for developing an integrated transport infrastructure system, increasing the capacity of high-volume public transportation, reducing traffic congestion and supporting urban expansion based on the TOD model.

Under Notice No. 523 issued by the city administration on June 17, the five projects are classified as strategic infrastructure developments expected to strengthen public transport capacity, unlock urban land value and generate new momentum for economic growth.

Among the five projects, Metro Line 8 is the largest. The route will run from Hoa Lac through Son Dong, Mai Dich, Ring Road 3, Linh Nam and Duong Xa. The line will stretch approximately 91 kilometers, including 66 kilometers within Hanoi, while also connecting neighboring Hung Yen and Bac Ninh provinces. Preliminary investment is estimated at more than VND437 trillion, or about $17.2 billion.

The second-largest project by investment value is Metro Line 1. Spanning roughly 81 kilometers, the route will connect Hung Vuong Stadium, Ngoc Hoi, Hanoi Railway Station, Yen Vien and Noi Bai International Airport. The line is expected to be constructed entirely underground, with an estimated investment of nearly VND390 trillion, equivalent to around $15.3 billion.

Metro Line 2 will connect Noi Bai International Airport with Tran Hung Dao, Thuong Dinh and Hung Vuong Stadium. The line will extend approximately 56.5 kilometers and require investment of more than VND271.7 trillion, or nearly $10.7 billion.

Metro Line 10 will follow a circular route linking Co Loa, Vo Chi Cong, Ring Road 3, Ring Road 2.5, Times City and back to Co Loa. The 43-kilometer line carries an estimated investment of more than VND206.7 trillion, equivalent to about $8.1 billion.

Metro Line 14 will run from Thang Long Bridge to Ocean Park, covering approximately 32 kilometers, including 27 kilometers within Hanoi. Total investment is estimated at nearly VND154 trillion, or around $6 billion.

According to preliminary planning studies, most sections of the new lines will be built underground and integrated with TOD urban development zones. Hanoi aims to complete all five projects by 2030.

City authorities noted that route alignments, technical specifications and investment estimates will continue to be refined during the project preparation, appraisal and approval processes.

The city is also preparing special policy mechanisms to accelerate urban railway development. Authorities will review land ownership and land-use conditions along the planned corridors while advancing TOD planning around approved metro routes to maximize development opportunities.

Vu Diep