The train design for Hà Nội's metro line No3 connecting between Hà Nội Railway Station to Hoàng Mai District and line No 5 from Văn Cao to Hòa Lạc. Photo nhandan.com.vn

HÀ NỘI — Hà Nội authorities have asked the Government to give a final decision on the project for building urban metro line No5 from Văn Cao Road to Hoà Lạc Road so the project can be submitted to the National Assembly for approval by the end of this year.

The metro line No5 is among the two key metro projects of the city. It has the total estimated funding of VNĐ65.4 trillion (US$2.9 billion).

The total route is more than 38km, with a 6.5km underground section and 2km of elevated track. It will have 21 stations, with six underground. The project is scheduled to start in 2022 and be completed in 2026.

The project aims to reduce urban traffic density and improve travel conditions for passengers from the suburbs to the city centre.

The city has proposed getting the funding from the city budget and running the project in the PDP (project delivery partner) mode instead of the BT (build-transfer) investment model as previously.

To implement the project soon, the city has proposed Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc establish a State appraisal council to conduct the pre-feasibility study report for the project before submitting it to the National Assembly for approval by the end of this year.

In addition, the city has proposed the PM assign the city to build a factory of assembling and manufacturing wagons for the development of the urban railway system. Ministries and branches have been asked to develop policies of science and technology, human resources to support the development of the railway industry to reduce dependence on foreign elements.

The urban metro line No5 will pass through seven districts, including Ba Đình, Đống Đa, Cầu Giấy, Nam Từ Liêm, Hoài Đức, Quốc Oai and Thạch Thất.

Out of the total investment, VNĐ24.8 trillion ($1.07 trillion) will be spent for the infrastructure construction and VNĐ16.6 trillion ($717 million) for the equipment.

Hà Nội plans to operate 25-40 trains on the line. — VNS