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In a significant move towards holistic urban development, Hanoi’s general planning for the 2021-2030 period, with a visionary outlook to 2050, is poised to become a driving force not only for the capital city but also for the entire Red River Delta region. Minister of Planning and Investment, Nguyen Chi Dung, expressed confidence that this meticulous plan, crafted within a short span of 12 months, is set to play a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of the region’s growth.
Despite the tight timeframe, the planning process adhered meticulously to legal regulations governing urban planning. Hanoi engaged in extensive consultations with 21 ministries, 15 cities and provinces in the region, central agencies, experts, scientists, and various stakeholders. This collaborative approach underscores the city’s commitment to a comprehensive and inclusive development strategy.
The central tenets of the planning document envision Hanoi as a hub of fast, sustainable, creative, and inclusive development. Positioned as a growth pole, the city aims to lead and propel the broader regional development. One of the primary focuses is on addressing environmental challenges, with urgent missions targeting the revival of polluted rivers and the management of inundation. The plan places green development and a circular economy at its core, aligning with global efforts for a net-zero emissions future.
A key highlight is Hanoi’s ambition for the digital economy to contribute 40% to the city’s Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP). The city is also targeting a substantial increase in urbanisation rates, ranging from 65-75%. The development pillars outlined in the plan include culture and heritage, green transition, digital transformation, a circular economy, uniformed and modern infrastructure, digital society, digital economy, smart urban areas and science-technology and innovation.
Former Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment, Cao Viet Sinh, emphasised the necessity for Hanoi to focus on digital transformation and innovation to fuel its growth, particularly concerning a low proportion of industry in the GRDP and relatively simple services. Sinh highlighted the need for substantial investments in underground transport to alleviate transportation infrastructure bottlenecks.
Minister Dung echoed Sinh’s sentiments, highlighting the importance of adjusting the industry’s proportion in the city’s GRDP. Furthermore, he stressed the need to outline a roadmap for phasing out old vehicles and fossil fuels that do not meet environmental standards during the transport infrastructure development process.
Hanoi’s strategic development plan not only reflects the city’s commitment to sustainable growth but also positions it as a leader in technological innovation. As the city advances its comprehensive planning, it is poised to set a precedent for inclusive and future-ready urban development, with far-reaching implications for the entire Red River Delta region. The collaborative and forward-thinking approach of Hanoi stands as a model for cities globally striving for balanced, sustainable, and technologically advanced growth.
In a bid to revolutionise urban transportation and align with its comprehensive development plan, the Department of Transport in Hanoi has recommended to the municipal People’s Committee the initiation of a pilot programme introducing electric buses on nine existing routes.
The initiative aims to introduce environmentally friendly electric buses to replace conventional ones as contracts for as many as 68 bus routes in Hanoi are set to expire in 2025.
This proposal aligns with the city’s broader vision for sustainable urban development, as outlined in its comprehensive planning document, positioning Hanoi as a leader in embracing innovative and eco-friendly solutions for public transportation.
The Department of Transport in Hanoi has put forward a plan to the municipal People’s Committee for the experimental implementation of electric buses on nine existing routes with contracts set to end in 2024. This 12-month trial, beginning in the first quarter, signals a step toward a sustainable and technology-driven evolution of public transportation in the city.