A trial run of the Nhổn - Hà Nội Station urban metro rail project on December 6, 2021. Hà Nội aims to improve public transport capacity in a bid to cut back on individual vehicles and reduce congestion. — VNA/VNS Photo Huy Hùng

HÀ NỘI — The Hà Nội People’s Council during a recent session has passed a target programme on mitigating traffic congestion and ensuring road safety in the city for the 2021-25 period with total funding of VNĐ1.8 trillion (nearly US$80 million).

The programme is set to be carried out over five years with the money allocated from the city’s budget on a yearly basis of around VNĐ336 billion ($14.5 million) for 2021, VNĐ343 billion ($15 million) for 2022, VNĐ401 billion ($17.4 million) for 2023, VNĐ425.8 billion ($18.5 million) for 2024, and VNĐ359 billion ($15.6 million) for 2025.

Each year, the capital city targets to resolve seven to ten traffic congestion ‘hotspots’ and eliminate ‘black spots’ in traffic accidents to cut traffic accidents by 5-10 per cent per year (in terms of cases, number of deaths as well as injuries).

To achieve the goals, the local authorities figured out ten groups of solutions including better management of high buildings and relocation of residents out of urban areas in order to reduce population density.

In addition, industrial production sites which cause environmental pollution, universities, vocational schools, and administrative units are set to be relocated out of the city’s centre and increase land funds for traffic activities.  

Money will be given to improve the capital city’s public transport capacity and gradually limit private vehicles in long term, strengthen IT application in traffic management and control and operations, towards smart transport system.

Up to 180 roads at 12 districts will be embellished. More than 160 traffic lights will be installed.

Noticeably, Hà Nội will build an online digital traffic map to serve the management, operation and regulation of traffic and develop a smart parking spot search software to help people find and pay parking spots conveniently. — VNS