The Hanoi government will spend a total of over VND1.8 trillion (US$79.1 million) on reducing traffic congestion and ensuring traffic safety in the city for the period of 2021-2025.

Hanoi’s first metro line, Cat Linh - Ha Dong urban railway project, is aiming to improve public transport capacity in a bid to cut back on private vehicles and reduce congestion in the capital city. Photo: The Hanoi Times

The US$79.1 million budget to improve public transport capacity and curb private vehicles in long term will be allocated on a yearly basis.

Hanoi’s authorities have set the target to mitigate seven to ten traffic congestion hotspots every year and timely eliminate black spots in traffic accidents to cut the traffic accident rate by 5-10% per year (in terms of cases, number of deaths and injuries).

The authorities have also figured out ten groups of solutions to achieve the goals, including better management of high buildings and resident relocation out of urban areas to ease population density.

Moreover, industrial production sites, which cause environmental pollution, universities, vocational schools, and administrative units are set to relocate out of downtown Hanoi to increase land funds for traffic activities.

Regarding management and maintenance of traffic infrastructure, the Hanoi People's Committee has asked the municipal Department of Transport to closely coordinate with the People's Committees of districts in synchronously embellishing 180 roads in 12 districts. Besides, more than 160 traffic lights will be installed.

Remarkably, Hanoi will build an online digital traffic map to serve the management, operation and regulation of traffic and develop a smart parking system to help people find and pay for parking spots conveniently.