Officials of Cửa Nam Ward pilot the two-tier local governance model in June. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — Hà Nội has upheld its position as Việt Nam's leading innovation hub while accelerating administrative reform, urban development and social welfare.

For the third consecutive year, the capital city ranks No. 1 nationwide in the Provincial Innovation Index, scoring 65.68 points and leading in 18 out of 52 component indicators. 

The index, announced by the Ministry of Science and Technology, highlights Hà Nội's accelerated shift toward a digital, data-driven public administration and its broader ambition to build a modern, citizen-centric government.

This performance comes as Hà Nội's new two-tier governance model completes its initial three-month phase, showing strong early results.

At the commune and ward levels, the system has stabilised quickly, with public services operating smoothly across the capital.

By late September, more than 5,200 civil servants and public employees had been deployed to local units, while nearly 4,300 affected staff received their full entitlements in the restructuring process.

Around 9,700 personnel positions were reorganised to ensure administrative continuity, with all localities now operating from fully equipped offices.

The entire network of the Public Administrative Service Centre, along with 126 community service points, has been put into seamless operation.

Citizens at the Hanoi Public Administrative Service Centre - Branch No. 1 Võ Chí Công. The use of the iHanoi app has helped the Public Administrative Service Centres in Hanoi alleviate the issue of citizens having to queue from 5am. — VNA/VNS Photo

An official is assisting a citizen in using the iHanoi app to obtain online tickets for land-related documents. — VNA/VNS Photo

 As part of its drive to enhance convenience for residents and businesses, the city launched a significant upgrade to the iHanoi digital citizen application on October 10.

The platform now integrates digital document storage, multi-service payments, business feedback channels, online appointment booking and a 24/7 automated support system.

At the same time, Hà Nội also introduced new models for community-based public service support and mobile administrative services, reinforcing its commitment to transparency, accessibility and digital empowerment.

These advancements unfold in tandem with major progress in urban development and planning. Hà Nội has approved key components of Metro Line 2 from Nam Thăng Long to Trần Hưng Đạo, advanced its revised plans for the Tứ Liên Bridge and connecting roads and finalised adjustments for sections of the Southwest Hanoi New Urban Area at Yên Hòa.

The city has also given the green light to Phase I of the Tả Nhuệ River drainage project, while the implementation plan for the newly revised Capital Master Plan to 2045 has begun its first phase of rollout.

Marking the 71st anniversary of the Liberation of the Capital, Hà Nội simultaneously broke ground on a series of major works spanning transport, culture, education and healthcare. These include the Cổ Linh underpass, Trần Hưng Đạo Bridge, Thượng Cát Bridge, Metro Line 2, the Ngọc Trai Theatre and Arts Park, the Lê Hồng Phong Cadre Training School and the second facility of the Hanoi Nephrology Hospital.

The capital city's housing sector is also gaining pace, with one 1,340-unit social housing project completed this year and five more projects adding up to 4,635 apartments meeting market entry conditions, bringing the 2021–2025 total to more than 17,300 units.

A performance at the 2025 Mid-Autumn Festival. — VNA/VNS Photo

Sweet rewards from art performances

Hà Nội's cultural and artistic scene has remained vibrant, particularly during October celebrations.

The city organised extensive public decorations and communication campaigns, complemented by two photo exhibitions honouring the Party Committee's achievements.

Performing arts institutions staged 229 shows, generating VNĐ6.27 billion (US$238,000) in revenue, while the capital's athletes brought home 292 medals from domestic and international competitions.

According to the Hà Nội Finance Department, the city's total State budget revenue for October reached an impressive VNĐ567.9 trillion, surpassing the forecast by 110.5 per cent and reflecting a robust 34.4 per cent increase compared to the same period last year.

Education continues to be a bright spot, with Hà Nội securing 200 national academic awards in the 2024–2025 school year, marking its 13th consecutive year at the top nationwide.

Students from the capital also won the crown at the 2025 Road to Olympia national knowledge competition.

Public schools reaching national standards have climbed to 80.6 per cent, and digital-skills training, including AI education for vocational teachers, is being expanded.

Hà Nội has also maintained a strong performance in social welfare, creating employment for more than 195,600 people, exceeding its annual target by 15.7 per cent.

Health insurance coverage has reached 95.9 per cent, and public health authorities continue to strengthen disease monitoring and food safety inspections amid 2,237 COVID-19 cases recorded in the first 10 months of the year.

Security and public safety were ensured throughout major political and cultural events, including the 18th Hà Nội Party Congress, the 10th Session of the 15th National Assembly and the UN Convention signing ceremony.

Social order crimes in October fell sharply to 407 cases, down 33.6 per cent from the previous year.

Traffic accidents also declined, while fire-related incidents remain a challenge with 64 cases, causing 10 fatalities and VNĐ4.6 billion in property losses. — BIZHUB/VNS

Vehicles on Phạm Văn Đồng Street. — VNA/VNS Photo