Hanoi Unveils Century-Long Plan to Reshape Ancient Capital Amidst Population Growth

AI Summary (NQ-processed)

Hanoi, Vietnam's capital, has recently unveiled a century-long master plan aimed at addressing long-standing issues such as aging infrastructure, traffic congestion, and flooding, while also managing increasing population pressure. The plan centers around the Red River, envisioning horizontal and vertical expansion, with a focus on improving water management, green spaces, and transportation. The metropolitan area is projected to reach 14-15 million people by 2035 and 17-19 million by 2065. The strategy includes developing underground spaces, with central areas expected to utilize about 40% of land area for underground construction by 2065. Key transformation milestones are set for 2035, 2045, 2065, and 2085, with Hanoi aiming to become a green, smart, modern city and a regional financial hub by 2035. The Red River will be designated as a strategic axis, with its banks developed into cultural, ecological, and urban spaces. Significant emphasis is placed on water management, including flood control and wastewater treatment, and transportation infrastructure, with plans to accelerate ring road and metro line construction. Historical areas will be preserved with reduced density and increased green spaces.