Ha Noi Council approves Gia Binh airport connector, To Lich River landscape project

The connector is designed to become the shortest, most modern, and most efficient route linking the planned Gia Binh Airport with the capital city. It will form a new development axis to support socio-economic growth, strengthen logistics operations and modern supply chains, and facilitate e-commerce.

Operating in tandem with Gia Binh Airport, the new route is expected to ease pressure on Noi Bai International Airport and enhance Ha Noi's connectivity as the nation's political–administrative center and a hub for culture, education, science and technology, international trade, and diplomatic activities.

The road will span Thuan An, Phu Dong, Thu Lam, and Dong Anh communes of Ha Noi, as well as Tu Son and Phu Khe wards in Bac Ninh Province.

The preliminary plan includes a newly constructed seven-kilometer, 120-meter-wide section running from the Ha Noi–Bac Ninh border to the junction with the Ha Noi–Ha Long and Ha Noi–Thai Nguyen expressways and Ring Road No. 3.

Another 6.55-kilometer segment—of which 1.625 kilometers lies in Bac Ninh—will overlap the Hanoi–Thai Nguyen expressway and Ring Road No. 3 and will be expanded to 120 meters.

The project also features two connecting ramps between the Ha Noi–Thai Nguyen expressway and the Tu Lien Bridge approach road. Each ramp will have three lanes and support both left-turn and right-turn traffic between Gia Binh and Tu Lien, with a combined length of roughly 2.5 kilometers.

Total land-use demand is estimated at nearly 290 hectares, including areas in Bac Ninh. Construction is slated for 2025–2026. The project's preliminary cost is VND 32.97 trillion (US$1.25 billion), to be paid via land allocation under the BT contract. About 405 hectares in Dong Anh and Phu Dong—valued at around VND 37.924 trillion (US$1.44 billion)—are earmarked for payment, with exact figures to be finalized during appraisal and approval.

Park and public space upgrades along To Lich River

At the same session, the Ha Noi People's Council also endorsed the investment policy for renovating, upgrading, and rebuilding the park and public space system along both sides of the To Lich River.

According to the Ha Noi People's Committee, the project aligns with the Politburo's Resolution on Ha Noi's development to 2030 with a vision to 2045; the Capital Master Plan to 2030 with a vision to 2050; the adjusted Capital Master Plan to 2045 with a vision to 2065; and relevant zoning and detailed plans.

The goal is to transform the To Lich River area into a landscape that reflects local identity, meets community demands for recreation, leisure, culture, and tourism, and supports commerce and services—while contributing to environmental protection and sustainable development.

The project stretches across Ngoc Ha, Nghia Do, Lang, Giang Vo, Cau Giay, Yen Hoa, Thanh Xuan, Dong Da, Khuong Dinh, Dinh Cong, Thanh Liet, and Hoang Liet wards.

Planned works include plazas, sidewalks, river walks, retaining walls, ramps, stairs, green spaces, playgrounds, sports areas, pedestrian paths, and parking zones. Architectural components will include service facilities, landmarks, and support buildings. Landscaping will feature shade trees, shrubs, lawns, aquatic vegetation, climbing plants, and a variety of urban amenities such as benches, trash bins, outdoor fitness equipment, playground installations, sculptures, and lighting.

The project requires approximately 738,000 square meters of land. Construction is expected to run from Q4 2025 to Q4 2028.

The Urban Affairs Committee of the Ha Noi People's Council backed the plan, stressing the need to synchronize the renovation with the To Lich River water-replenishment project to reduce pollution and improve the river environment. The committee noted that the project aligns with central-level directives calling for decisive action to revive polluted rivers and ensure that Hanoi's urban waterways remain "clean and bright."

It concluded that the project meets the investment criteria set out in the Law on Public–Private Partnership and other relevant legislation./.