Hanoi is poised for a groundbreaking transformation of its urban infrastructure through a strategic partnership with Larsen & Toubro (L&T), a top-tier Indian conglomerate specializing in transportation and infrastructure.

Narayan M. Vernekar, Director of L&T’s Heavy Infrastructure Division, underscored the company’s willingness to contribute to Hanoi’s urban rail projects during a meeting with Hanoi Vice Mayor Duong Duc Tuan on February 21. Based on L&T’s decades of experience, he outlined the company’s vision to support the construction of modern railway lines while fostering technology transfer and high-quality manpower training in Vietnam.

L&T will bring a wealth of experience from urban rail projects in India, Qatar, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia to Vietnam, said Vernekar. Their involvement is expected to not only address Hanoi’s pressing transportation needs but also integrate the city’s rail network with national infrastructure, such as the North-South high-speed railway and the Noi Bai International Airport, creating a seamless transport ecosystem.

Hanoi leaders met the delegation of Larsen & Toubro Group on February 21st. Photo: Viet Anh/The Hanoi Times

Vernekar also expressed L&T’s interest in Vietnam’s high-speed rail projects and pledged to work closely with local partners to build a self-sustaining, future-proof railway infrastructure.

Vice Mayor Tuan praised L&T’s proactive engagement and underscored Hanoi’s commitment to policy reforms and efficient project delivery. He stressed that partnerships with international giants like L&T will expedite the city’s urban railway initiatives and ensure long-term sustainability and effectiveness.

This partnership marks a pivotal step in Hanoi’s quest to become a modern, interconnected metropolis. With L&T’s cutting-edge solutions and global expertise, Hanoi is poised to transform its urban mobility, boost economic vitality, and improve the quality of life for millions of residents. The city’s skyline and transportation network may soon reflect a new era of innovation and sustainable growth.

Currently, Hanoi is operating the Cat Linh-Ha Dong metro line and is advancing other projects, such as the Nhon-Hanoi Station and Nam Thang Long-Tran Hung Dao lines, funded by international donors like the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Under Hanoi’s 2030-2050 development blueprint, the city plans to build 10 urban railway lines spanning 413 kilometers, requiring an estimated investment of $37 billion. The project, divided into three phases (2024-2030, 2031-2035, and 2036-2045), aims to modernize Hanoi, enhance regional connectivity, and drive socio-economic growth.