The Ministry of Construction has set up an inter-agency task force to review the legal framework, asset status and a comprehensive plan to transfer national railway infrastructure from Hanoi Station to Gia Lam Station to municipal authorities.
Under the proposal, the Vietnam Railway Authority will assess the legal status and condition of assets and draft a handover roadmap, with recommendations to be submitted to the ministry and the city for approval.
The transfer is aimed at facilitating urban renewal in Hanoi’s historic inner city and supporting related infrastructure projects, including new road links to Gia Binh Airport and the Lao Cai-Hanoi-Haiphong railway.
Both sides agreed to reduce passenger and tourist train frequencies on the Hanoi-Gia Lam line and limit stops at Gia Lam Station, while the city will add bus connections near the Gia Lam rail factory to ease transfers.
Freight services on the Hanoi-Long Bien-Gia Lam section will be suspended, with cargo trains diverted to the western bypass between Bac Hong and Van Dien. Hanoi will coordinate with Vietnam Railways to allocate about one hectare near Ha Dong Station for a new freight yard.
The city and the rail operator also agreed in principle to transfer infrastructure from rail level downwards, including Long Bien Bridge, enabling Hanoi to pursue urban redevelopment while preserving the area’s historic character.
Earlier this year, Hanoi proposed ending passenger train services through the popular train street tourist area, where visitors frequently gather for photographs along the active tracks.
