An overview of the Vĩnh Tuy Bridge in Hà Nội. — VNA/VNS Photo Tuấn Anh

The master plan emphasises the need to develop nightlife hotspots in different neighbourhoods, building the capital city’s reputation and affirming Hà Nội's competitiveness compared to other regional and international destinations.

It also prioritises fully utilising Hà Nội's many lakes and rivers, especially West Lake, the Red River, the Đuống River , and the Tô Lịch River, while defining areas that should be set aside for preservation from development for future generations.

The Politburo highlighted the need for Hà Nội to develop areas along the banks of the Red River, which would turn the riverside areas into a development hub for the city with a balance of ecological, cultural, historical, green and modern urban spaces on both sides of the river. This would help create a new look for the ancient-yet-modern capital.

According to the proposed plans, the Red River development area is expected to become a 'new development symbol' of the city.

The Politburo also asked the city to research and develop plans to effectively use the land fund for socio-economic development along the banks of Red and Đuống rivers, with a particular focus on the tourism and service sectors.

Recommendations include allocating suitable spaces for the development of the cultural and entertainment industries and turning tourism into a spearhead economic sector, with priority given to preserving, utilising and promoting major cultural spaces such as the Thăng Long Imperial Citadel within Ba Đình District, the Old Quarter and Long Biên District, the Cổ Loa relic complex and Đường Lâm ancient village, as well as a number of traditional craft villages.

At the same time, it is also necessary to construct modern, unique and typical cultural projects symbolising the city in the new era.

Transport infrastructure

The Politburo has also fundamentally agreed with the Hà Nội Party Committee’s proposed plans, stressing mechanisms and policies to develop urban and transport infrastructure.

In its conclusion, the Politburo suggested that Hà Nội build urban development programmes according to a model of central urban areas and satellite urban areas.

Hà Nội should also strengthen regional connectivity, especially traffic and logistics connections, to promote the strengths of the city's waterway, road, aviation and railway systems, gradually narrowing the gap between Hà Nội and other localities in the region and in the whole country.

The Politburo also agreed to add dual-use functions to Gia Lâm and Hòa Lạc military airports.

Priority should be given to developing the urban railway system, promoting progress in infrastructure with a focus on building the transport system.

Hà Nội is hoping to complete 14 urban railway lines and ring roads, gateway intersections and a bridge system across the Red River before 2035 to expand its space for growth, enhance connectivity and reduce traffic congestion.

It will also look into further developing the regional and international transportation system, including railways, waterways, roads and aviation.

Another task for the capital city is to expand an integrated public transportation system that includes bicycles, buses and urban railways as well as associated policies for a green transportation transformation.

Amended Law on Capital

To effectively carry out investment in expanding urban and transport infrastructure, the Politburo suggested that Hà Nội review and perfect solutions, especially those calling for an effective use of resources such as expanding urban areas through the construction of ring roads No. 4 and 5.

The capital city should also take advantage of overhead and underground space, support a digital transformation, digitise its plans, set up large databases and create more digital resources.

Hà Nội is responsible for advancing its urban zones towards greener, smarter and more modern models and linking the northern area with the whole country.

The city will also analyse the causes of specific limitations and inadequacies for more innovative thinking.

Solutions to implement city plans need to be associated with perfecting the legal system and law enforcement in a synchronous, unified and efficient manner.

Priority will be placed on the investment and finance sectors as well as cooperation between the public and private sectors.

Traffic expert Lê Trung Hiếu said, "The Politburo’s Conclusion No. 80 is a very important document, creating a premise and basis for Hà Nội to adjust its two major planning projects.

In particular, with the revised Law on Capital, the city will have enough conditions to resolve long-standing problems and take very long steps toward the goal of urban reconstruction with a modern transportation system". — VNS