Hà Nội Approves 100-Year City Master Plan

Why this is here: By 2045, Hà Nội aims to develop underground space in its central area to cover at least 20 percent of the land area.

The Hà Nội People’s Committee in Vietnam approved a 100-year master plan to develop the capital as a green, smart city. The plan unfolds in phases through 2085, centering development around the Hồng River and promoting a multi-layered urban structure. Core values emphasize heritage, identity, and creativity, tying cultural preservation to economic growth.

Hà Nội intends to expand upwards and downwards, developing underground spaces for transport and utilities. By 2065, the city aims for underground construction to cover roughly 40 percent of its central land area. The plan also calls for increased land use for construction—reaching about 60 percent by 2065—while protecting green spaces and ecological areas.

Transport is a key priority, with plans for integrated multimodal systems and expanded rail networks connecting Hà Nội to neighboring provinces. A new regional airport is proposed for the south, designed to serve 30 to 50 million passengers annually.

While ambitious, the plan acknowledges the need to align existing projects and resolve compliance issues before proceeding. Work to implement the long-term vision continues.