Hanoi outlines multi-centre urban development plan to support balanced and sustainable growth

Capital Hanoi is entering a phase of urban-space restructuring with a development direction toward a multi-centre model, reducing pressure on the core area and expanding new growth poles.

At a press conference held by the Hanoi People’s Committee on April 6, Nguyen Trong Ky Anh, Director of Hanoi’s Department of Planning and Architecture, said the capital’s master plan is built on the guiding philosophy of “Culture – Civilization – Modernity,” with a 100-year vision, aiming toward the 1100th anniversary of Thăng Long – Hanoi.

Multi-centre growth model and regional role

The plan’s biggest difference, Anh said, is positioning Hanoi to play a leading growth-pole role in the Red River Delta region while also serving as a global connectivity city. The goal is not only to address internal issues such as infrastructure overload and environmental pollution, but also to expand development space based on the digital economy and green economy.

Spatial structure: new growth poles across the city

Hanoi will adopt a polycentric urban development model. The northern areas (Đông Anh, Mê Linh, Sóc Sơn), western areas (Hòa Lạc, Xuân Mai) and southern areas (Phú Xuyên) are identified as new growth poles. These areas are expected to become centers for services, science and technology, education, logistics, and related functions—acting as levers for the wider capital region while remaining under a unified management system.

Development axes and riverfront connectivity

The master plan defines nine spatial development axes, with the Red River axis serving as the “backbone,” concentrating cultural, economic and landscape activities. Developing both riverbanks in a harmonious manner is expected to create a modern urban appearance and connect new urban areas with the heritage core.

Investment targets and transport infrastructure

To realize the plan’s targets, Hanoi plans to mobilize about 11 quadrillion VND by 2045, focusing on strategic infrastructure, especially ring roads and urban rail.

• The total length of urban rail is expected to exceed 1,000 km with 16–19 lines.
• By 2035, the goal is 400–450 km of urban rail.

The city will also implement a special mechanism under the amended City Law, creating a legal corridor to help Hanoi be more proactive in land management, investment and attracting resources. The public-transport-oriented development model will be strengthened around metro stations.

Population forecast and implementation approach

Forecasts project Hanoi’s population reaching about 17–19 million by 2065, aiming to maintain balance between economic development and social welfare.

According to the Director of the Hanoi Department of Planning and Architecture, the five proposed solutions will be implemented in a coordinated manner to manage infrastructure pressure effectively and ensure planning is executed in line with the set direction.