The new Da Nang city covers an area of nearly 12,000 square kilometers, many times larger than before. However, population and infrastructure pressure remains mainly concentrated in the core area, especially in Hai Chau, Hoa Cuong, and Thanh Khe wards. Currently, the population density in Hai Chau has exceeded 17,000 people/km2; Thanh Khe is even higher, at approximately 25,000 people/km2, while the southern and suburban areas have only a few thousand people/km2.
Large potential for development
In the overall planning picture, the southern area, stretching from Dien Ban to Nui Thanh, emerges as the most viable option for population redistribution and urban expansion. It possesses vast land resources, stable geological conditions, and a low population density, making it favorable for the construction of new urban areas, industrial zones, high-tech parks, and tourism projects along the Vo Chi Cong coastal route.
From a practical perspective, the southern Da Nang - northern Quang Nam region has seen the emergence of many large-scale projects: the Dien Nam - Dien Ngoc new urban area, the Tam Hiep and Tam Thang industrial zones, and a chain of coastal resorts stretching to Hoi An. However, development remains fragmented and lacks a comprehensive master plan. This creates a significant gap in the planning of a "southern megacity" with functions that complement the central core.
In particular, the southern region has a distinct advantage in terms of infrastructure connectivity. The Da Nang - Quang Ngai expressway, National Highways 40B, 14E, and 14G, along with the coastal road system, form a comprehensive transportation network. Furthermore, this area is directly connected to the Chu Lai Open Economic Zone, which is rapidly developing into a national-scale industrial and service center, encompassing seaports, logistics, and the Truong Hai automotive supply chain.
Moreover, the southern region boasts beautiful coastlines, rivers, streams, and interspersed mountain ranges, creating potential for green urban and tourism development. If connected to Hoi An Ancient Town, My Son Sanctuary, and a chain of traditional craft villages, this area could become a "golden triangle" of culture, tourism, and modern urban development, complementing Da Nang, which is already renowned for its beach services and conference tourism.
Developing southward not only relieves pressure on the core area but also opens up a new economic and urban corridor, connecting Da Nang to Chu Lai and Quang Ngai, linking Central Vietnam with the Central Highlands and the East-West corridor. This is the long-term direction for a dynamic urban center in Central Vietnam.
Strategic solutions that need to be prioritized.
To realize this direction, the city needs to focus on several key solutions: Firstly, coordinating planning after the merger. Da Nang and Quang Nam previously had separate planning for the period 2021-2030. After the merger, a review and adjustment are necessary to create a unified plan that ensures regional connectivity and a long-term vision. The core area needs to be redeveloped according to a compact urban model, adding green spaces, increasing land use efficiency, strictly controlling the coastal corridor, and integrating it with public transportation.
Secondly, we need to develop key infrastructure. Chu Lai Airport needs to be invested in to meet international 4F standards, sharing the role with Da Nang Airport. The Chu Lai, Ky Ha, and Truong Hai seaports must become a hub for cargo transshipment and logistics. Simultaneously, the Chu Lai - Hoi An - Da Nang urban railway line needs to be implemented, not only to address traffic issues but also to open the door to connecting tourism and industry along the coast.
Thirdly, a new financial and commercial hub should be formed. Some components, such as the financial center and free trade zone, could be partially relocated to Chu Lai, connecting with industry, logistics, and urban areas to create a sustainable service chain and alleviate pressure on the core region. Based on international experience, many cities have successfully shifted their economic centers away from the core: Seoul expanded to Incheon, and Tokyo thrived in Yokohama. Da Nang could certainly learn from these examples to create a new growth hub in the south.
Fourth, urban-educational-industrial linkages. Relocating the Da Nang University Village to the intersection of Dien Ban Dong and Dien Ban Bac, and linking training with the Chu Lai - Truong Hai Automotive Complex in the south, will create a high-quality workforce in mechanical engineering, automotive, and manufacturing technology. This is a strategic step to integrate training, research, and production on-site. Furthermore, locating the university near the industrial zone will create an innovation ecosystem, helping Da Nang - Chu Lai become a technology and industrial hub in Central Vietnam.
Fifth, prioritize social welfare. Surplus public facilities resulting from administrative restructuring can be converted into social housing, housing for workers and low-income earners. This solution is both cost-effective and ensures a humane approach to urban development. Simultaneously, attention should be paid to community cultural spaces, building parks, community centers, and basic education and healthcare systems to ensure new residents feel secure and committed to long-term living.
Furthermore, a smart city development strategy needs to be considered. Applying technologies to traffic management, lighting, drainage, waste treatment, etc., will help reduce operating costs and improve the quality of life for residents. The new urban area in the south has the advantage of being built from scratch, avoiding the limitations of the already overloaded core area.
Expanding the city southward is not only a solution to alleviate congestion but also opens a new door for the city. Where the long stretches of sand, the continuous blue sea, and the expansive transportation arteries extend, this will become fertile ground for new growth poles. From there, Da Nang can take off, becoming the leading city of Central Vietnam, preserving its coastal charm while embracing international integration.
Source: https://baodanang.vn/can-keo-gian-do-thi-da-nang-ve-phia-nam-3303418.html
Comment (0)