The Hanoi People's Committee has approved a plan to build underground metro station C9 under Dinh Tien Hoang street and a part of the city’s flower garden, 10 meters from Hoan Kiem Lake, local media reported.So far, due to difficulties in designing the underground station C9, the construction of a metro line connecting Nam Thang Long station in the north of the city and Tran Hung Dao street has been halted for 11 years.
Graphic image of the C9 station gate on Dinh Tien Hoang street. Photo: MRB
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Thus, the planned underground station C9 could ensure as well as promote the value of the Hoan Kiem Lake’s historical heritage and cultural space, said the experts.
Earlier, the plan was rejected once because of concerns raised by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism regarding the possible infringement of protected area of Hoan Kiem Lake relics regulated in the Law on Cultural Heritage.
The research and consultancy agency has given scientific evidence, assuring that the station’s construction and operation will not cause subsidence or other impacts.
Auxiliary systems and exits/entrances will be constructed in the area belonging to the premises of Vietnam Electricity on Dinh Tien Hoang street to avoid land clearance, which often is the main cause of delay of any major construction in Vietnam.
The plan is thought to be the most effective as it does not require land clearance, reducing the risk of further delay and minimize construction expenses.
Located near the Old Quarter, the C9 underground station is expected to ease traffic congestion in Hanoi’s downtown.
On the basis of objective and scientific evaluation, the Hanoi People's Committee affirms that the proposed location of the C9 urban railway station is the optimal.
The Nam Thang Long – Tran Hung Dao metro project will use official development assistance from Japan and reciprocal capital from the Vietnamese government. Although the project has not been implemented, its investment capital has been adjusted up from VND19.5 trillion (US$838.5 million) to VND35.6 trillion (US$1.53 billion).
It is part of metro line No.2 connecting Noi Bai International Airport and the city's center and spans 11.5 kilometers. The entire metro line is planned to have 10 stations, including three elevated stations and seven underground ones.
