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VOL. 1, ISSUE 1 (2025)
Challenges and difficulties in developing urban railway connectivity in Vietnam’s transportation infrastructure
Authors
Quan Vu Doan
Abstract
The rapid urbanization and economic growth of
Vietnam, particularly in its two major metropolises, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City
(HCMC), have precipitated a severe transportation crisis characterized by
chronic congestion, air pollution, and declining quality of life. In response,
the national government has long identified urban railway systems as the
backbone of a future sustainable public transportation network. Ambitious
master plans have been drafted, envisioning extensive networks of metro and
monorail lines to alleviate surface traffic and guide urban development.
However, the path to realizing this vision has been fraught with unprecedented
challenges, leading to significant delays, massive cost overruns, and public
skepticism. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the multifaceted
difficulties hindering the development of urban railway connectivity in
Vietnam. It systematically examines the primary obstacles across several
domains: the immense financial burdens and complexities of funding and
investment mobilization; the technical and logistical hurdles related to
complex geology, dense urban landscapes, and nascent domestic capacity; the
intricate web of institutional and regulatory frameworks involving overlapping
mandates and cumbersome administrative procedures; and the critical
socio-economic considerations of land acquisition, resettlement, and shifting
public travel behavior. Through a detailed review of existing literature,
project documents, and case studies of ongoing projects like the Hanoi Metro
Line 3 and HCMC Metro Line 1, this article argues that the core challenge is
not merely technical or financial but fundamentally systemic. It stems from a
lack of experience, integrated planning, and a robust institutional ecosystem
capable of managing such large-scale, complex infrastructure projects. The
findings underscore that while the technical construction of the railways is a
monumental task, the greater challenge lies in creating the financial
sustainability, institutional cohesion, and public trust necessary for their
long-term operational success and integration into the urban fabric. The
conclusion offers reflections on lessons learned and the critical path forward
for Vietnam to overcome these impediments and secure a sustainable urban
mobility future.
Pages:20-24
How to cite this article:
Quan Vu Doan "Challenges and difficulties in developing urban railway connectivity in Vietnam’s transportation infrastructure". World Journal of Engineering and Technology, Vol 1, Issue 1, 2025, Pages 20-24
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