Hanoi is scheduled to host a scientific workshop on the development of urban railway systems in the capital and Ho Chi Minh City on January 17

The Nhon - Hanoi Station urban railway. Photo: Pham Hung/The Hanoi Times

The event, which will be attended by distinguished domestic and international speakers, will focus on key areas such as urban planning, urban development with an emphasis on Transit-Oriented Development (TOD), land clearance and requisition, resource mobilization from land, technical standards and technology for urban railways, and the management model for implementing urban railway projects.

Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Hanoi Le Hong Son said at a meeting on January 15 that urban transport is a vital lifeline for every city, especially in Vietnam, with its rapid urbanization and economic growth.

“Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are facing significant challenges in transportation, with various issues that need to be addressed, from planning and investment capital to improving public transport systems, developing urban railways, and shaping sustainable urban environments. To achieve these goals, determined efforts and close coordination among relevant parties are crucial to ensure effective and sustainable implementation solutions in the long term, said Son.

This is the reason why Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are jointly organizing the scientific workshop on the development of urban railway systems to exchange international experiences, research, and establish relevant frameworks for TOD-oriented urban development, urban planning, urban restructuring, land issues, investment, management, operation, and exploitation of urban railways.

According to Son, the two cities have invested in the construction of urban railway projects. However, the implementation of these projects faces many difficulties and challenges, requiring the improvement of policies and the exploration of innovative approaches to rapidly completing the urban railway network.

The workshop is organized with three main objectives: (i) to analyze international experiences in the development of urban railway systems in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City; (ii) to compile international experiences to study and improve relevant legal frameworks for TOD-oriented urban development, urban planning, urban restructuring, land issues, investment, management, operation, and exploitation of urban railways; (iii) to refine the plan for the development of urban railway systems in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City by 2035 in five critical areas: Planning, land requisition, land mobilization, standards, technological solutions, and project implementation management models.

The workshop will be attended by representatives from central agencies, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, and the People's Committees of provinces in the capital region. Vietnamese and international experts in law, investment, land, planning, urban railways, and major enterprises involved in infrastructure development and urban growth will also participate.

The workshop will take place on January 17 - 19 at the Melia Hotel in Hanoi.