Hanoi lawmakers approve smart traffic development plan

The Hanoi People’s Council on November 19 approved a proposal for a smart traffic system in Hanoi, aiming to address traffic congestion, road safety issues and pollution, among other current challenges. It envisages the creation of a modern transport infrastructure in line with the capital's development objectives by 2045.

Hanoi council members press buttons to approve the policy on November 19. Photo: Thanh Hai/The Hanoi Times

The construction of a citywide traffic control and operations center by 2025 is the focus of the development roadmap, which will be accomplished in three phases: Phase 1 (2025-2027), Phase 2 (2028-2030), and Phase 3 (after 2030).

There will be tailored funding options in every phase. Later phases will combine software system leasing, maintenance services, and physical infrastructure investment as systems develop and technologies settle.

The development of IT applications must ensure information security and safety. In addition, the city is considering attracting diverse resources to invest in intelligent traffic infrastructure, linking existing systems with future investment plans while leveraging cutting-edge technologies.

Key elements of the plan include collecting and sharing data from multiple traffic sources for analysis, securing information, monitoring traffic, providing real-time updates, managing traffic flow, and supporting traffic law enforcement.

By 2030, Hanoi's population is projected to reach 12 million, with an urban development area of 90,000 hectares. By 2045, the population is expected to grow to 14.6 million, with 120,000 hectares planned for urban development, according to Nguyen Phi Thuong, Director of the Hanoi Department of Transport.

Hanoi has made initial progress in applying technology to traffic management and operations, the director said.

However, current infrastructure and management systems are insufficient to meet growing demand, leading to persistent traffic congestion, road safety concerns, and environmental degradation, he said.

"To address these challenges, it is essential to apply scientific and technological advances in traffic management and operations. Therefore, the adoption of the Smart Traffic System Plan Resolution is crucial," Thuong said.

$1.5-million aid for post-typhoon recovery

The Hanoi People's Council also approved a resolution to allocate VND37 billion (US$1.5 million) to support farmers and agricultural producers affected by Typhoon Yagi and subsequent flooding in 2024.

The funds are aimed at alleviating the hardships of individuals and businesses and speeding up recovery efforts in the agricultural sector, especially for crops and livestock that were severely affected by the disaster.

Assistance will be provided to organizations and individuals whose production areas suffered more than 30% damage from the typhoon and flooding.

In early September 2024, Typhoon Yagi and subsequent flooding severely affected northern provinces, including Hanoi, and devastated agricultural production.

The city responded by taking immediate steps to help its citizens recover, including cleaning up the environment, caring for crops and livestock, preventing disease, and offering loans to restart production. As a result of these measures, farmers have been encouraged to resume farming and have stabilized their incomes.

However, the Hanoi People's Committee noted that certain high-value crops and livestock (such as kumquat, peach, ornamental plants, quail, and pigeons) had suffered heavy losses but were not covered by existing government or community support policies. As a result, no financial assistance was available for their recovery.

The Hanoi People's Council also adopted 13 other resolutions on economic and social development. These include the management of public assets, the leasing of state property, the promotion of cultural industries, and the cutting off of water and electricity supplies to construction projects that breach the law.