TOD urban planning associated with Lao Cai - Hanoi - Hai Phong high-speed railway project

During the implementation of the Lao Cai - Hanoi - Hai Phong high-speed railway project, along with accelerating the progress of site clearance and construction of resettlement areas, Lao Cai province has directed departments, branches and localities to study planning to form TOD (Transit - Oriented Development) urban areas around some future station locations. This is the "key" to sustainable urban development, the driving force for restructuring the province's urban space.

The Lao Cai - Hanoi - Hai Phong high-speed railway project, the section passing through Lao Cai province, has a total length of about 143.29 km, passing through 11 communes and wards.

According to the pre-feasibility study, the section passing through Lao Cai province has 9 stations, including: 1 border station (new Lao Cai), 6 intermediate stations (Bao Thang, Sa Pa, Van Ban, Dong An, An Thinh, new Yen Bai ) and 2 train-stay stations (Chau Que Thuong, Y Can).

During the working process, agreeing on the railway route with the investor and the consulting unit, the Standing Committee of the Provincial People's Committee has always emphasized the planning content of TOD urban areas in suitable locations, especially the area around important hub stations such as the new Lao Cai station, Sa Pa station, new Yen Bai station, etc.

Once the railway is formed, these will be concentrated areas connecting public transport with residential areas, commercial areas, services and public spaces.

The development of TOD urban areas not only aims to maximize the efficiency of the railway line but also to create modern and convenient living spaces for residents. Areas around the station will be designed to ensure convenient travel, while integrating green spaces, shopping areas, offices and public services. This orientation is expected to create a driving force to attract investment, develop the economy and improve the quality of life for local residents.

According to the consulting unit, to implement this model, it is necessary to implement land clearance right from the construction of the railway line. Because when the railway line is formed, the land fund around the area will increase, posing many challenges for management work.

According to urban experts, lessons from successful TOD models around the world will be valuable experiences for Lao Cai to implement, in which China is one of the leading countries in developing TOD urban areas.

A typical example is Kunshan Station, an intermediate station on the Beijing-Huzhou (now Shanghai) railway line, which completed its renovation in December 2009. After nearly 15 years of development, the area around the station has been urbanized with many modern high-rise buildings.

Or Zhengzhou East Station, a station on the Beijing-Guangzhou High-Speed Railway, located in Zhengzhou City, Henan Province. After more than 10 years of development, the area on both sides of the East and West sides of the station has developed rapidly. Currently, Zhengzhou East Station has become an international convention and exhibition center and a transportation hub of Zhengzhou City.

In the general development trend, many localities across the country are also researching and implementing TOD urban areas, associated with large public transport projects. In Hanoi, metro lines such as Cat Linh - Ha Dong or Nhon - Hanoi Railway Station are oriented to develop into modern urban areas with full public facilities.

Similarly, Ho Chi Minh City is promoting TOD urban planning around Metro Line 1 (Ben Thanh - Suoi Tien), especially at major stations such as Thao Dien or Suoi Tien.

Although there are still many challenges in synchronizing planning, the TOD model is considered an optimal solution to solve urban problems such as traffic congestion, environmental pollution and lack of quality living space.

The TOD urban planning associated with the Lao Cai - Hanoi - Hai Phong high-speed railway project is not only a strategic step to effectively exploit transport infrastructure but also opens up great opportunities for Lao Cai to become a bright spot in sustainable urban development. Lessons from successful TOD models in the world and the implementation process in localities across the country will provide Lao Cai with valuable experiences to solve the problem of master planning of transport and urban development with a long-term vision.

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/quy-hoach-do-thi-tod-gan-voi-du-an-duong-sat-toc-do-cao-lao-cai-ha-noi-hai-phong-post886568.html