Amended Capital Law helps bolster urban railway connectivity to Hanoi’s periphery

The amended Capital Law is expected to boost urban railway connectivity from Hanoi to its surrounding localities by exploring measures that broaden the application of Transit-Oriented Development (TOD).

Deputy Do Duc Hien. Photo: quochoi.vn

Deputy Do Duc Hien, Standing Member of the Law Committee under the National Assembly (NA), shared this view during a recent session on the draft amended Capital Law.

Hien advocated for the inclusion of provisions governing the bidding process for land parcels in TOD areas to select investors in compliance with the Land Law. This involves auctioning and bidding for underground and elevated spaces, aiming to maximize added value recovery.

“These measures contribute to increasing construction density in elevated and underground spaces within TOD areas,” said Hien.

The deputy emphasized the significant importance of the Capital Law, citing its profound political and social implications.

The amendment of this law should be closely aligned with the political foundations outlined in Resolution No.15-NQ/TW of the Politburo on Hanoi's development visions until 2030 while ensuring consistency with the 2013 Constitution.

“This underscores the robust authority of the capital's government and the responsibility that comes with it in these endeavors,” said Hien.

The proposed regulations build upon existing 2012 Capital Law provisions, incorporating lessons learned from pilot programs in Hanoi and other localities. Additionally, the law underscores the Capital's role as the national political and administrative center, emphasizing its pivotal status within the country.

The Cat Linh - Ha Dong urban railway station. Photo: The Hanoi Times

Ensuring efficient capital apparatus

Sharing insights on the amended Draft Capital Law concerning urban government organization, Hien highlighted a significant addition compared to the 2012 Capital Law.

As such, the draft introduces new regulations under Chapter II, specifically addressing "the Capital Administration." This focuses on two key areas: firstly, formalizing the urban government model and delineating the tasks and powers exclusively reserved for Hanoi authorities at all levels, which differs from the provisions of the Law on Local Government Organization. Second, the draft includes supplementary regulations on payroll, public service, and civil servant regimes within the city.

These regulations underscore the developmental needs of the law, aiming not only to focus on preferential policies and mechanisms for Hanoi but also to ensure organizational resources and human capital in line with the spirit of administrative reform.

While generally supporting the aforementioned provisions of the draft law, Hien suggested that the  Standing Committee of the Hanoi People's Council be assigned certain tasks during periods when the municipal legislative body is not in session.

Additionally, he recommended enhancing the inspection and supervision mechanisms and responsibilities of the Standing Committee of the City People's Council when making decisions to prevent potential abuses and to ensure their efficiency and feasibility.