HCMC – Vietnam’s two largest cities, HCMC and Hanoi, have proposed 36 policies to fast-track urban railway development, reported the local media.
The proposals, presented on January 20 during a meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha, include 13 shared policies and additional measures specific to each city—six for Hanoi and 17 for HCMC. The goal is to establish a legal framework to expedite metro construction.
The policies address five key areas: diversifying funding sources, simplifying administrative procedures, adopting transit-oriented development models, advancing domestic rail manufacturing, and building a skilled workforce.
Bui Xuan Cuong, vice chairman of the HCMC People’s Committee, suggested introducing special mechanisms to streamline project approvals. These include bypassing certain procedural steps and decentralizing decision-making. Hanoi, on the other hand, proposed measures to expedite land acquisition and allow detailed planning to proceed without waiting for comprehensive zoning updates.
Deputy Transport Minister Nguyen Danh Huy emphasized the need for more detailed impact assessments and broader consultations with relevant agencies. He also highlighted that some proposed measures are not fully aligned with current legal regulations.
The ministries of transport, planning, and justice expressed support for drafting a resolution to submit to the National Assembly under a fast-track procedure. The proposed resolution would include both shared and city-specific policies.
Deputy Prime Minister Ha directed the cities to refine their proposals and work closely with national agencies to finalize the draft resolution in time for the February legislative session.
