A modern subway system would be the long-term solution to address traffic congestion in major cities, such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

National Assembly Deputy Nguyen Anh Tri from Hanoi.

National Assembly Deputy Nguyen Anh Tri from Hanoi gave the view during a discussion session today [May 30] on the role of planning in socio-economic development.

According to Tri, in the next 30-50 years, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City should consider expanding the underground spaces, seen as a more cost-effective solution to high-density urban areas.

“The planning, therefore, is important to make sure that the construction process stays in line with the city’s vision,” he added.

Tri called for the mobilization of both local and international experts, as well as sufficient funds to carry out the underground planning in Vietnamese cities.

Deputy Nguyen Tao from Lam Dong Province.

Meanwhile, Deputy Nguyen Tao from Lam Dong Province stressed the significance of the Government addressing in timely manner difficulties during the implementation process of the Law on Planning.

“One of the priorities for the Government is to soon ratify the national and regional plannings so that based on which provinces and cities would start their planning,” Tao said.

Tao expected the Government to consider giving some cities/provinces some authority to adjust the provincial planning to ensure feasibility and effectiveness during the implementation process.

“A clear timeline and responsibilities are required to ensure the completion of planning as scheduled, which remain essential to meet the growing demand for socio-economic development of each city/province and the country as a whole,” Tao said.