Traffic jams is a common scenario in the streets of ${bigcity_Hanoi:"Hanoi"}. A city of 6.5 million people, the country’s capital is in dire need of better public transport. After exploring several options to resolve this decades-old problem, authorities agree that a modern urban railway system can be the solution, but it will take some time to realize. Transportation Planning and Management Institute deputy director Khuat Viet Hung said a high-speed urban railway system in Ha Noi would connect urban areas, industrial zones, trade-services-tourism centers and schools. But the growing number of vehicles running on these same streets have added concerning pressure on the city's transport infrastructure.

Statistics show that the city has more than 300,000 cars, 3.5 million motorbikes and 1 million bicycles on the road every day. The numbers have increased at a rate of 10-15 per cent per year over the last 10 years. The plan involves building 5 new rail lines including a 38.7km line to Ngoc Hoi - Yen Vien - Nhu Quynh to serve the outskirts of northeast and southern Ha Noi to the city centre, the second one which is 35.2km long connection Noi Bai Airport - city centre - Thuong Dinh, while the third, 21km-long, linking Nhon-Ha Noi Railway Station - Hoang Mai. Line 4 runs through Dong Anh - Sai Dong - Vinh Tuy - Thanh Xuan - Tu Liem - Thuong Cat - Me Linh and Line 5 will connect South of West Lake - Ngoc Khanh - Lang-Hoa Lac.

To be undertaken in several phases, indeed, it will take while before the public experiences a better transport system. The first phase of the railway project would not be finished until 2014. The second phase is expected to be completed by 2016. Apart from billions of dollars in cost, project management is seen as among the biggest hurdles as the country has no experience in building urban railway systems and its laws insist that it couldn't hire foreign experts to manage projects. Portions of the projects have already began despite the challenges and authorities are determined to put this system into place at the targeted time.

When properly completed, it will reduce bottlenecks in transport infrastructure, ease congestion and improve air quality in the city. Majority of the population will then benefit from the system most specially students, workers and traders traveling between the western part of Ha Noi and the central business district. As women, children and older people are more inclined to use public transport; they are also expected to benefit greatly from the improved transportation. On top of the reduced congestion and better quality of life, the Project will also have an impact on poverty reduction brought about by lowered transport costs and increase business opportunities.