The Hanoi Department of Planning and Architecture, in collaboration with the Hanoi Institute for Urban and Rural Planning, recently announced two detailed planning schemes for the To Lich River banks, at a 1:500 scale. These plans cover two main segments.

Segment one spans approximately 6.2 km, extending from the Hoang Quoc Viet - Vo Chi Cong interchange branch road to Nga Tu So New Bridge. It traverses through Tay Ho, Nghia Do, Ngoc Ha, Giang Vo, Cau Giay, Lang, Yen Hoa, Dong Da, and Thanh Xuan wards. New construction in this area will be strictly controlled, prioritizing green spaces, water features, and community facilities. Only small-scale structures, such as service kiosks, rest shelters, public restrooms, and auxiliary items, will be permitted within green areas, limited to one story. Architectural designs must harmonize with the landscape, avoiding large volumes.

The landscape space in this segment is divided based on the characteristics of each area. The section from Hoang Quoc Viet to Cau Giay, at the headwaters of the To Lich River, is planned to feature large public spaces, squares, pedestrian and bicycle paths, integrated with service centers. The section from Cau Giay to Nguyen Trai road is designated as a cultural space, linked to traditional values and festival activities, such as the Lang Pagoda area, creating a focal point for community life along the river.

Video introducing the To Lich Riverbank Park project. *Source: Investor provided*

Segment two covers about 7 km, from Nga Tu So to the Linh Dam branch and Nhue River. The plan emphasizes inheriting existing conditions, renovating and upgrading current green areas, parks, and sports facilities, while adding new public spaces. This ensures connectivity with surrounding residential areas. Architectural forms and spatial organization will adhere to construction regulations and the project's control indicators.

Within this segment, the area from Nguyen Trai road to Ring Road 3 is oriented towards developing commercial, service, and culinary activities along the river, aiming to establish a night economy space. The section from Ring Road 3 to Thanh Liet Bridge is planned as an ecological, relaxation, and entertainment area, featuring public facilities, squares, parks, and sports fields for residents.

Perspective view of the detailed planning research scope for the To Lich Riverbank Park. *Source: Hanoi Department of Planning and Architecture*

Seven new bridges to span To Lich River

The road system along both sides of the river will continue to use existing routes, synchronized with the overall renovation project. The project will renovate 10 existing bridges and construct an additional 7 new bridges across the To Lich River.

Additionally, the Giap Bat - Thanh Liet - Phu Luong Monorail branch 2 is planned along the eastern side of the To Lich River, from Phan Trong Tue road to the Lu River branch. This aims to enhance public passenger transport capacity.

Hanoi city targets completing the main items in the period from 2026 to early 2027. The consulting unit is continuing to finalize stage 3 planning, from Buou Bridge to the Red River mouth. This will complete the entire To Lich River route, comprehensively connecting green spaces, water features, and public areas.

Perspective view of the river section within the entertainment and sports zone.

In mid-December, the Hanoi People's Committee approved the investor selection results for the project to renovate, upgrade, and redevelop the parks along both sides of the To Lich River. This project will operate under a public-private partnership, utilizing a build-transfer contract. Sun Group Joint Stock Company was selected as the winning investor.

The To Lich River is approximately 13.4 km long, originating from Nghia Do canal. It flows through many wards before discharging into the Nhue River via the Thanh Liet dam or into the Red River via the Yen So pumping station. For many years, the river has suffered from pollution due to a lack of clean water, primarily receiving domestic wastewater and rainwater.

Hanoi has implemented measures to improve the To Lich River's environment, including wastewater collection, river dredging, bank renovation, and supplementing clean water from West Lake and the Yen Xa Wastewater Treatment Plant. The clean water supply from these sources is now complete.

Vo Hai