Hanoi has received a new facelift thanks to the development of transport infrastructure over the past 15 years, which has served as a "launch pad" for Hanoi to fly higher, according to Nguyen Phi Thuong, Director of the Hanoi Department of Transport.

He stressed that after many years of diligent efforts, especially since the administrative perimeter expansion [August 1, 2008], Hanoi has promoted its synergy to develop quickly, comprehensively, and sustainably.

"The resources and strengths of each district in Hanoi have been effectively tapped after the expansion, contributing to the strong development of the transport sector. The investment in the road network has facilitated people's mobility and transportation, and promoted socio-economic development for major economic corridors in the northern region of Vietnam, including Lao Cai-Hanoi-Quang Ninh, Hanoi-Hai Phong-Quang Ninh, Lang Son-Bac Giang-Hanoi, Hanoi-Thai Nguyen," Thuong said.

Thang Long Boulevard - the route connecting downtown Hanoi with satellite urban areas. Photo: Viet Linh/The Hanoi Times

In addition, a number of large intra-regional and inter-regional transportation projects are underway with heavy investment, such as National Highway No.6, Phap Van-Cau Gie Expressway, National Highway No.21, and others. Nine bridges over the Red River have been built, and work on six more will begin soon.

Hanoi is also the first place in the country to operate a city railway, the Cat Linh-Ha Dong metro line, ushering in a new era of rapid transit that is massive, modern, and environmentally friendly. The city authorities are pushing ahead with the construction of the Nhon-Hanoi Railway Station metro line and working on the remaining lines.

"The above achievements have contributed to relieving traffic pressure in Hanoi, gradually reducing traffic congestion and accidents in the city, and strengthening the connection between the capital and other provinces and cities," Thuong told The Hanoi Times.

He stressed that the improved road network has bridged the geographical gap between downtown Hanoi and the countryside, reducing the difference in the quality of life and helping people in remote districts enjoy the same policies, public services, and development conditions as people in metropolitan areas.

Urban management expert Phan Truong Thanh said that since the expansion of the administrative perimeter, Hanoi has experienced great development and the city's transportation network has improved significantly. The land area for transportation has reached 12%, an increase of more than 5% compared to 2008.

Ring Road No.2 is an important transportation axis that contributes to the socio-economic development of Hanoi. Photo: Pham Hung/The Hanoi Times

Every year, Hanoi spends 50% of its investment funds on the transport system. Investment policies and mechanisms have also driven the development of the transport infrastructure network. "The connection between Hanoi and the newly incorporated areas, especially the remote ones, has been improved," Thanh said.

He cited a number of bridge projects, such as the Vinh Tuy Bridge and the Nhat Tan Bridge, which have led to the development of many new urban areas on the northern bank of the Red River. Hanoi's western rural districts have been recognized as new-style rural areas thanks to meeting a criterion of road traffic targets.

"The guidelines for Hanoi have been set in regional contexts to reaffirm its position and role as the central nucleus and 'locomotive' of the region and the country. This shows the strong determination of the Vietnamese government and the Hanoi People's Committee to develop the city's transport infrastructure," Thanh told The Hanoi Times.

Hanoi targets 0.25-0.3% increase in land for roads

The Hanoi People's Committee has set a target to increase the proportion of land used for roads by 0.25-0.3% in 2023. At the same time, the city will strive to increase the public transit network by 21.5-23% to ensure quality and effective service.

With a larger transportation area, traffic jams will be gradually reduced, and "black spots" of traffic accidents will be reduced. A larger mass transit network will help reduce the number of private vehicles and protect the environment.   

In addition, Hanoi will coordinate with ministries to complete the system of technical standards and regulations for vehicles, materials, and infrastructure.

The city authorities will work out policies and mechanisms to complete legal documents in the field of transportation to ensure traffic order and safety, improve the effectiveness of state management in the field of transportation, and ensure national defense and security in line with the transportation planning of the whole country.