Hanoi has proposed cooperation with Russia on urban railway development, including investment, technical standards, technology transfer and railway operations. An inter-agency Vietnamese delegation led by Tran Duc Thang, Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee, held meetings with Russia’s Ministry of Transport, Russian Railways (RZD) and authorities in Moscow and St Petersburg on August 13-14.
Hanoi requested Russian support in developing policies and technical standards for urban railway and underground infrastructure, as well as assistance with design, technology integration, training and technology transfer. The city also invited Russian companies to explore investment opportunities in metro projects under its transport development plan to 2030, with a vision to 2050. Proposed areas of cooperation include metro construction, management and operation, centralised control centres, artificial intelligence (AI) and big data applications for traffic management, and integrated technologies across metro lines.
The discussions also covered the development of underground structures and stations, including designs that reflect Hanoi’s cultural and historical identity. Hanoi proposed studying flexible investment models and forming consortia for urban railway projects. Cooperation with Russia was also proposed for railway networks connecting with Vietnam’s national railway system, including investment, policy consultancy, technical standards, management and operations.
The delegation also discussed potential cooperation on metro projects in Ho Chi Minh City, including investment and the supply of railway equipment and technologies. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are prioritising urban transport, urban railways and smart infrastructure as part of wider transport development.