Brian Jeffrey
The city of Hanoi is channeling its efforts into constructing two metro lines: Nam Thang Long – Tran Hung Dao and Hanoi Station – Hoang Mai, with a total investment exceeding VND 76 trillion.
Deputy Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee, Duong Duc Tuan, recently presented updates on the urban railway (metro) system plans in the city.
As part of the transportation blueprint for the capital until 2035, Hanoi’s metro network will comprise 10 lines covering approximately 410 kilometers in total.
In a recent development, Hanoi has revised its long-term plan extending to 2065, incorporating an additional five metro lines spanning 200 kilometers. This expansion will result in a comprehensive network of 15 metro lines covering 610 kilometers.
The city’s leadership underlined the vital role of the metro system for Hanoi, akin to its importance in Ho Chi Minh City. Metros are crucial for urban transportation infrastructure, particularly in major cities like Hanoi.
Despite encountering various challenges during the construction phase, Hanoi has successfully put the Cat Linh – Ha Dong metro line and the elevated section of the Nhon – Hanoi Station metro line into commercial operation. Tuan expressed, “This marks a significant achievement for Hanoi and has been met with enthusiasm and appreciation from the public.”
Deputy Chairman Tuan highlighted Hanoi’s proactive coordination with the Ministry of Transport and relevant entities to execute the Politburo’s directives. The city aims to finalize the construction of more than 10 metro lines by 2035.
The timeline for completing these metro lines is slightly over 10 years. Tuan remarked, “Constructing new metro lines at the same pace as the previous ones poses significant challenges in terms of resources, financing, and implementation mechanisms.”
With specific objectives in mind, Hanoi targets completing 10 metro lines spanning 410 kilometers by 2035. Between 2024 and 2030, 96.8 kilometers of metro lines will be developed, requiring an investment of USD 14.6 billion. From 2031 to 2035, a further 301 kilometers of metro lines will be constructed, necessitating an estimated USD 22.5 billion.
The total funding necessary for Hanoi’s metro system expansion until 2035 amounts to around USD 37.1 billion. An analysis suggests that over the next decade, Hanoi can mobilize over USD 28 billion for metro system projects. By 2035, the city will require nearly USD 9 billion in central government assistance.
Tuan underscored Hanoi’s concentration on building Metro Line 2, the Nam Thang Long – Tran Hung Dao section, and Metro Line 3, the Hanoi Station – Hoang Mai segment.
The plan is to commence construction on Metro Line 2 in 2025. For Metro Line 3, Hanoi anticipates approval from relevant agencies to utilize Official Development Assistance (ODA) funds for the upcoming phases.
The Nam Thang Long – Tran Hung Dao metro line will span a total of 11.5 kilometers, with 8.9 kilometers underground, 2.6 kilometers elevated, and equipped with 10 train sets. The project’s total investment is about VND 35,588 billion, and Hanoi aims to complete it by 2029.
The Hanoi Station – Hoang Mai metro line will be 8.7 kilometers long, entirely underground along the Tran Hung Dao – Tran Thanh Tong – Kim Nguu – Nguyen Tam Trinh route, with an investment of around VND 40,500 billion.
