The simultaneous commencement of 5 key urban railway lines marks a new turning point in the strategy of developing transport infrastructure and restructuring the urban space of the Capital.
According to Mr. Nguyen Ba Son - Deputy Head of Hanoi Urban Railway Management Board, the simultaneous deployment of 5 metro lines shows a fundamental change in investment thinking. If previously the city implemented individual lines, now it has switched to synchronously investing in many lines, aiming to complete the large-volume public passenger transport network in a shorter time.
This is also the first time Hanoi City has implemented a large-scale urban railway investment program, with a preliminary total investment of up to trillions of VND, creating a foundation for forming a modern, synchronous and interconnected transportation system.
According to the Capital Plan for the period 2021-2030, vision to 2050, Hanoi is expected to develop 18 urban railway lines with a total length of about 979km. Hanoi City sets a target to complete about 500km of urban railway by 2035, the rest will be invested in the 2035-2045 period.
Also according to Mr. Nguyen Ba Son, the 5 metro lines expected to start construction this time will become backbone traffic axes, leading urban development according to a multi-polar, multi-directional model. In addition to reducing traffic pressure, urban railway lines also expand development space, promote the formation of new urban areas and renovate existing areas.
The projects are implemented in the context that the National Assembly has issued many specific mechanisms for urban railway development such as Resolution No. 188/2025/QH15, Resolution No. 258/2025/QH15 and the Capital Law (amended). These mechanisms allow to simplify investment procedures, shorten project preparation time when not having to carry out the step of preparing and approving investment policies as before.
Notably, site clearance work is separated into an independent project, helping to deploy early immediately after the route direction is approved and ensuring clean site handover to contractors.
According to the Hanoi Urban Railway Management Board, the 5 selected lines all play a strategic role in the future transportation network of the Capital.
According to the plan, all 5 routes are expected to be completed by 2030. When put into operation, the routes will connect with route No. 3 and route No. 5, forming an interconnected public transport network throughout the city.
In parallel with the deployment of new lines, Hanoi City is accelerating the progress of metro line No. 3, especially the underground section, with the goal of completing the entire line by the end of 2027. Line No. 5 is currently continuing to complete the design and study a dual-use plan according to the direction of the Government.
The simultaneous start of construction of 5 urban railway lines is expected to open the largest-scale transport infrastructure development phase ever in Hanoi, creating more momentum for economic growth and the process of building a green, smart, and sustainably connected city.
Line No. 1 is about 81km long, connecting the Hung Vuong Stadium - Ngoc Hoi - Hanoi Station - Gia Lam - Noi Bai Airport area, playing an important North-South axis role, connecting urban railways with national railways, high-speed railways and Noi Bai International Airport.
Line No. 2 is about 56.5km long, connecting Noi Bai Airport with the historical center area through Nam Thang Long, Hoan Kiem Lake, Tran Hung Dao, Thuong Dinh and southern urban areas.
Route No. 8 is about 91km long, connecting Hoa Lac High-Tech Park with logistics zones, industrial parks and growth poles in the East of the Capital.
Route 10, about 43km long, is planned as a closed ring road, connecting Co Loa, Vo Chi Cong, Ring Road 3, Ring Road 2.5 and Times City before returning to Co Loa, contributing to reducing traffic pressure for the inner city area.
Route 14 is about 32km long, connecting the Thang Long bridge area, Ciputra through the center of Hanoi to Ocean Park and the eastern area of the city, supporting the development of new urban areas and strengthening regional linkages.
