Hanoi plans to phase out inner-city burials at cemeteries

Under the plan, the city will intensify management of cemetery systems, cremation facilities, and funeral homes.

As part of its strategy for greener and more modern urban development, Hanoi will promote the memorial park model while targeting a cremation rate of 100 percent.

The city is also considering the use of modern ash-storage systems, including high-rise and underground columbariums integrated with smart management technologies to optimize land use.

Small and scattered cemeteries in the downtown area will be reviewed, closed and relocated to centralized cemetery zones.

Land cleared after relocation will be prioritized for public purposes such as green spaces, transportation infrastructure, and urban utilities.

Hanoi also plans to develop a smart cemetery management system integrating digital databases, including geographic information systems, identification codes, and online memorial platforms, to improve public services and administrative efficiency.

High-tech, zero-emission crematoriums are expected to be prioritized at several cemeteries across the city.

In terms of funeral infrastructure, Hanoi will continue operating the National Funeral House while reserving land in Son Dong Commune for a future national funeral facility.

The city also aims to build additional funeral homes in line with rapid urban development.

Funeral facilities will be arranged either independently or in combination with cemeteries, cremation facilities, and religious or cultural sites, while complying with environmental safety distance requirements and other applicable standards.

Under the plan, Hanoi will continue operating Mai Dich Cemetery and build a new cemetery covering about 120 hectares in Yen Xuan Commune using an integrated burial model.

The city also plans to expand and further invest in centralized cemetery projects.

In particular, Yen Ky Cemetery will be expanded to meet regional-level standards, while Vinh Hang and Thanh Tuoc Cemeteries are also set for expansion.

In addition, Hanoi will build Thanh That, Dong Soc Son and Chuyen My Cemeteries in line with city-level standards.

Hanoi plans to upgrade, widen roads, bridges

Under the master plan, Hanoi will make comprehensive investments in transportation infrastructure and complete ring roads 4, 4.5, and 5.

The city will also upgrade and widen a series of key transport routes, including Dai Lo Thang Long Expressway, Tay Thang Long Road, and National Highways 1A, 6, 32 and 21.

Several new bridges over the Hong River are also planned, including Tu Lien, Tran Hung Dao, Ngoc Hoi, Me So, and Hong Ha bridges.

At the same time, Chuong Duong Bridge and bridges crossing the Duong and Da Rivers will be upgraded and widened.

Notably, Hanoi will prioritize studies on multi-level river-crossing tunnels linked to both road and railway systems to save land resources and preserve the urban landscape.