World Construction Network

Hanoi starts construction on five urban railway projects worth $49.4bn

The Hanoi People’s Committee expects investment in urban rail to expand high-capacity public transport and reduce congestion.

Hanoi has broken ground on five urban railway projects, with the combined initial budget estimated at more than VND1,315tn ($49.4bn).

This development aligns with the city’s broader strategy to expand public transportation options and encourage urban growth through transit-oriented development (TOD).

The Hanoi People’s Committee stated that the investments are intended to develop a coordinated transport infrastructure network, enhance high-capacity public transport services, and relieve traffic congestion.

On 17 June, the Committee formalised these plans by issuing Notice No. 523, designating the railway projects as central to its objectives for sustainable urban development and economic growth over the next decade.

Metro Line No. 8 is expected to be the largest project by scale and investment. It will run about 91km, including 66km within Hanoi, before extending to the neighbouring provinces of Hung Yen and Bac Ninh. Preliminary estimates put its funding requirement at more than VND437tn.

The second project in terms of estimated cost, Metro Line No. 1, is expected to cover around 81km and will provide a fully underground route linking Hung Vuong Stadium, Ngoc Hoi, Hanoi Railway Station, Yen Vien and Noi Bai Airport. It is projected to require nearly VND390tn in investment.

Metro Line No. 2, designed to travel about 56.5km from Noi Bai Airport through Tran Hung Dao and Thuong Dinh to Hung Vuong Stadium, has a proposed budget of more than VND271.7tn.

Plans for Metro Line No. 10 outline a 43km route beginning and ending at Co Loa, passing through Vo Chi Cong, Ring Road 3, Ring Road 2.5 and Times City, with the anticipated investment exceeding VND206.7tn.

Rounding out the group, Metro Line No. 14 is set to run approximately 32km from Thang Long Bridge to Ocean Park, with most of the route situated within the city. The initial cost estimate for this line stands at nearly VND154tn.

According to the preliminary plan, significant segments of all five metro lines will be constructed below ground and integrated with Hanoi’s transit-oriented development framework.

The city aims to complete the network by 2030. Project planning, appraisal and final investment estimates are expected to be refined as development progresses.