Hanoi proposes halting trains through ‘train street café’ for Old Quarter revamp

The Hanoi People’s Committee recently submitted a document to the Ministry of Construction, requesting the handover of a national railway infrastructure section from Hanoi Station to Gia Lam Station.

According to the proposal, Hanoi has in recent years directed relevant agencies to study plans to preserve and promote the historical value of the Long Bien Bridge while developing cultural, service, and tourism spaces around 131 stone railway arches beneath the Hanoi-Dong Dang railway line, along Phung Hung Street, Gam Cau Street, and the bridge.

Studies show that the area should be developed as a historical, cultural, and architectural space with heritage-level significance, creating a strong connection between the western part of the Old Quarter and the eastern side of the Thang Long Imperial Citadel area.

The city considers the redevelopment of the railway corridor between Gia Lam Station and Hanoi Station to be particularly important for ensuring the effectiveness and long-term sustainability of related projects.

To implement these studies, the Hanoi administration has asked the Ministry of Construction to hand over the management of national railway infrastructure on the Gia Lam-Hanoi section by the second quarter of 2026.

This would enable the capital city to proceed with urban renovation and redevelopment around the historic and cultural spaces linking the western Old Quarter and the eastern Thang Long Imperial Citadel.

The city has also proposed studying architectural solutions for the planned urban railway line No. 1 as it passes through the Old Quarter. 

The aim is to ensure that future urban rail development does not damage the spatial structure or landscape of the heritage area.

In addition, Hanoi has asked the ministry to direct the Vietnam Railway Authority and Vietnam Railways to adjust national railway operations on the section between Hanoi Station and Gia Lam Station.

Under the proposal, southbound passenger trains would halt at Hanoi Station, while northbound passenger trains would stop at Gia Lam Station.

Passenger transfers between the two stations would be organized by Hanoi authorities.

If the proposal is approved, the popular ‘train street café’ area located along the railway segment between Hanoi Station and Long Bien Station would no longer see passenger trains running through it, marking a significant change for one of the capital’s most well-known tourist spots.