Hanoi authorities have recently approved a comprehensive master plan for the period of 2026 to 2045, which aims to relocate over 860,000 residents from the urban core area within Ring Road 3. This initiative is part of a broader effort to restructure the capital city, addressing issues such as overcrowding and the preservation of historic neighborhoods. The Old Quarter, known for its high population density and deteriorating heritage structures, is a primary focus of this plan, which seeks to balance urban development with cultural conservation.
The first phase of the relocation plan will occur over the next decade, with an estimated 200,000 residents expected to move from the Red River area, another 200,000 from West Lake and its surroundings, and approximately 42,000 from various streets within Ring Road 3. The latter part of the plan, spanning from 2036 to 2045, aims to further relocate 26,730 residents from the Old Quarter, 23,000 from older inner-city neighborhoods, and an additional 370,000 from other regions within Ring Road 3. This extensive relocation effort underscores the urgent need for urban restructuring in response to decades of population growth and urban stress.
Residents have expressed mixed feelings about the proposed plan. For instance, Nguyen Thi Loan, who currently lives in a cramped apartment in the Old Quarter, supports the initiative but raises concerns regarding the quality of the new accommodations, proximity to workplaces, and the impact on her children’s education. Similarly, Pham Thuy Linh, a resident of Hai Ba Trung District, emphasizes the necessity for adequate compensation policies and a well-structured roadmap to ensure psychological stability during the transition. These sentiments highlight the complexities surrounding urban relocation, where community members seek reassurance about their future living conditions and livelihoods.
Experts in urban planning, such as Architect Dao Ngoc Nghiem, have long advocated for measures to alleviate population density in Hanoi's central areas. He notes that the urgency for population dispersal has been recognized for over 30 years, yet previous plans have seen limited implementation. This newly approved plan represents a significant step towards fulfilling essential urban planning goals, with the aim of enhancing the overall quality of life for residents. Architect Tran Huy Anh from the Hanoi Association of Architects adds that the population of the Old Quarter has experienced a decline of 30 to 50 percent in the last two decades, further emphasizing the need for effective and sustainable urban development strategies that cater to both preservation and modernization. As Hanoi embarks on this ambitious relocation plan, the focus will remain on creating a more livable and attractive urban environment for its residents.