Hanoi Approves Visionary 100-Year Master Plan to Become Global “Green and Smart” Hub
Hanoi, The Gulf Observer: The Hanoi People’s Committee has officially adopted a transformative 100-year master plan, aiming to evolve the Vietnamese capital into a green, smart, and internationally competitive metropolis. Under Decision No. 2512/QĐ-UBND, the plan outlines a strategic roadmap with milestones set for 2035, 2045, 2065, and 2085.
The ambitious strategy centers on the theme “Heritage – Identity – Creativity,” positioning the Red River (Sông Hồng) as the ecological and cultural heart of the city’s multi-layered urban structure.
Vertical Expansion and Underground Innovation
In a significant shift from traditional urban sprawl, Hà Nội will pursue a multi-dimensional development model that includes elevated spaces and a robust underground ecosystem.
- Subterranean Growth: The city aims for underground space in the central area to reach 20% of land area by 2045, increasing to 40% by 2065. This space will house transport networks, utilities, and strategic groundwater storage.
- Compact-Green Model: Urban construction land is projected to reach 45–50% by 2045, with the remaining land strictly protected as green corridors, forests, and ecological zones to ensure climate resilience.
Strategic Infrastructure and Transit-Oriented Development (TOD)
Transport remains the plan’s cornerstone, with a focus on an integrated multimodal system:
- Urban Rail Network: Expansion of rail links to neighboring provinces including Bắc Ninh, Hưng Yên, and Thái Nguyên.
- TOD Framework: The city will establish 120–150 local TOD points and up to 10 national inter-regional centers to anchor new developments around public transit hubs.
- Second International Airport: A new aviation hub is planned for the southern districts (Ứng Hòa and Chuyên Mỹ) with a capacity of 30–50 million passengers annually, designed as a dedicated “airport city.”
Cultural Heritage and Global Connectivity
The master plan reinforces Hà Nội’s role as a cultural beacon while boosting its economic standing:
- UNESCO Recognition: Officials seek UNESCO status for iconic sites including the Long Biên Bridge, Bát Tràng craft village, and the Cổ Loa complex.
- Economic Corridors: Hà Nội is positioned at the nexus of international corridors linking China and Laos, strengthening its role in regional logistics and innovation.
Digital Governance and Environmental Safeguards
A major governance overhaul will see the implementation of a “Digital Twin” city. Utilizing AI, 3D spatial databases, and Big Data, authorities will monitor land use and infrastructure in real-time to ensure transparency and compliance.
Strict environmental regulations are also integrated, particularly regarding riverside construction along the Red River, to protect flood discharge zones and enhance the city’s climate adaptation capabilities.
“This approval is a strategic milestone that opens a new era of development space for Hà Nội,” remarked a group of urban planning experts. “It lays the groundwork for innovation-led growth while meticulously preserving the city’s unique cultural identity.”
