The Hanoi People’s Committee has requested relevant units to study the new line (Noi Bai-Ngoc Hoi) using non-refundable ODA from the Australian government through the World Bank.

The Hanoi Metropolitan Railway Management Board (MRB) would receive funds for research purposes. The MRB would also be in charge of working with World Bank experts on several aspects of the project.

The capital city has asked the MRB to look into and propose investment modes for constructing the metro line to facilitate mobilization of funds. The MRB should also research the application of transit-oriented development (TOD) to make use of underground space at urban railway stations and nearby land plots. This may help recover part of the investment for urban railway projects, thus reducing the burden on the national budget.

Under the Hanoi urban railway network plan until 2030, the capital would have 10 lines with a total length of 417 km; of which 342 km would be elevated and the rest underground.

So far, only the first has been completed and in operation.

The other lines are still in different phases of development. The Nhon-Hanoi Station line is set to have its elevated section operating at the end of 2022, and the entire line operating in 2027.