Ha Noi approves master plan with 100-year vision
VGP - Ha Noi Municipal People’s Council unanimously approved a comprehensive master plan for Ha Noi on March 28, setting out a bold 100-year vision to transform the capital city into a global city with among the highest standards of living and levels of happiness worldwide.
Under the plan, Ha Noi targets an average GRDP growth rate of over 11 percent annually through 2045. Its economic scale is projected to reach around US$200 billion by 2035, US$640 billion by 2045, and approximately US$1.92 trillion by 2065.
The capital envisions itself as a "global city" — cultured, smart, innovative and ecological — with a strong focus on improving quality of life and human development.
By 2035, Ha Noi aims to become a "civilized, modern and happy" city and a leading hub for economics, education, healthcare and innovation in the Asia-Pacific region.
By 2045, it seeks to position itself as a major destination for global flows of knowledge and technology, before evolving into one of the world's most livable capitals beyond 2065.
A central pillar of the Master Plan is the establishment of nine growth poles, which will serve as the primary drivers for the Capital’s spatial and economic transformation: the Central Urban Area (right bank of the Red River); the Northern Pole (Dong Anh – Me Linh – Soc Son); the Eastern Pole (Gia Lam – Long Bien); the Southern Pole – Central Urban (Thuong Tin – Phu Xuyen); the Southern Van Dinh – Dai Nghia Pole; the Southwestern Pole (Xuan Mai – Chuong My); the Western Pole (Hoa Lac); the Northwestern Pole (Son Tay – Ba Vi); and the Red River Pole.
Reshaping urban space and connectivity
The master plan introduces a "multi-layered, multi-centered" urban model. The Red River is designated as the central ecological and cultural axis, playing a crucial role in shaping and connecting the city's development.
In parallel with the growth poles, the Master Plan establishes nine major urban centers based on their scale, characteristics, and competitive advantages. Each center is assigned distinct functions—ranging from political-administrative and economic activities to logistics, science, technology, education, healthcare, culture, tourism, and ecology—to form a balanced and mutually supportive development network.
Ha Noi's population is expected to be maintained at around 14–15 million by 2035, rising to 15–16 million by 2045 and 17–19 million by 2065, with a long-term cap of 20 million to ensure sustainable growth.
The plan spans the city's entire administrative area of about 3,359.84 square kilometers, while strengthening connectivity with neighboring provinces in the Capital Region, the Red River Delta and wider national and international economic corridors.
Transport, environment and future infrastructure
Ha Noi plans to build a modern public transport system centered on urban rail, with a network stretching roughly 1,200 kilometers. Transit-oriented development will be applied to promote compact urban areas and more efficient land use.
A core-satellite urban model will also be developed, linking the central area with surrounding satellite cities to ease pressure on inner districts.
Environmental priorities include restoring key rivers such as the To Lich River, Nhue River and Day River, alongside adopting advanced waste treatment technologies and promoting a circular economy, with the aim of phasing out landfill waste.
Urban development will expand across multiple layers, including underground, surface and low-altitude spaces. The Red River is expected to become a new symbol of the capital, integrating cultural, ecological and creative spaces on an international scale while ensuring flood control.
Strategic development zones and new airport
The plan identifies nine key growth poles, including the central urban area along the right bank of the Red River, as well as development zones in Dong Anh – Me Linh – Soc Son, Gia Lam – Long Bien, Hoa Lac, Xuan Mai – Chuong My, and Son Tay – Ba Vi.
A major highlight is the proposed construction of a second international airport in the southern area, around Ung Hoa and Chuyen My. Designed under an airport city model aligned with global standards, the facility is expected to handle up to 50 million passengers annually.
With its broad scope and long-term ambition, the master plan is set to usher Ha Noi into a new phase of development, balancing rapid economic growth with sustainability and livability./.
