Previously, Hang Buom Street offered almost no space for pedestrians, with sidewalks occupied and vehicles crowding the roadway. After reorganization, the street is tidy, the roadway is clear, making travel more convenient for residents and tourists.

The sidewalk and roadway seemed to merge on Hang Dao Street.

Hanoi authorities are implementing a new initiative to restore urban order, focusing on central districts. On 11/11, the city issued a plan to pilot model urban wards in Hoan Kiem, Cua Nam, and Ba Dinh. This comprehensive plan is set to unfold in three phases, commencing on 15/11/2025 and projected to conclude on 15/2/2026.

The Hoan Kiem ward is currently at the forefront of this urban order campaign. For instance, Hang Chieu Street, known for its narrow sidewalks and dense commercial activity, has long seen its pedestrian areas occupied by businesses displaying goods. Local authorities are now actively addressing this issue, reorganizing the space to ensure clear passage.

The intersection of Hang Giay and Hang Buom was once packed with eateries and stalls spilling onto sidewalks and roadways, causing traffic jams. Now, the street is clear, allowing residents and tourists to stroll leisurely without dodging vehicles or blaring horns.

Hang Duong Street's sidewalk displays a sign prohibiting littering on sidewalks and roadways. Individuals violating this rule face fines of 1 to 2 million VND. Although the street lacks yellow lines to demarcate sidewalk boundaries, there are no longer widespread vehicles, tables, chairs, or people occupying the sidewalks.

As part of the initiative, many streets feature newly painted yellow lines. These markings clearly delineate parking areas from pedestrian zones, enhancing organization and safety for residents and visitors.

During phase one of the plan, from 15 to 30/11, the City Steering Committee 197 is conducting a basic survey, raising public awareness, and reorganizing urban spaces. Units are specifically tasked with reviewing and repainting street lines according to approved designs.

A section of Nguyen Thien Thuat Street, which traditionally hosted an informal market, previously saw vendors bustling in the roadway and on sidewalks for most of the day, occupying almost the entire pathway. However, the sidewalk is now clear, with vendors neatly seated behind the yellow lines on the sidewalk.

The intersection of Hang Ruoi and Hang Ma, a bustling commercial hub, particularly vibrant during the year-end season with numerous food stalls, often attracted large crowds. Previously, encroaching sidewalks and vehicles overflowing into the roadway caused constant congestion throughout the day.

Following the reorganization of sidewalks, the prohibition of street parking, and the removal of encroaching awnings, the street has become noticeably clearer. The widened roadway now allows for more convenient travel.

However, at the beginning of Ta Hien Street, motorcycles still overflow onto the roadway, and businesses continue to occupy the entire sidewalk, blocking pedestrian access.

Hang Ngang Street, lined with numerous clothing stores, once saw businesses extend onto sidewalks and vehicles pack the roadway. Now, the area is orderly and tidy.

For several weeks now, authorities have been encouraging residents to clear their goods to reclaim sidewalks. They also regularly monitor and remind businesses along the streets. Photo: Son Tung

This is not Hanoi's first attempt to tackle urban disorder. In 2/2017, the city launched a similar campaign to reclaim sidewalks for pedestrians. That initiative was vigorously implemented for about half a year, achieving many positive results. However, inconsistent maintenance afterward led to the re-emergence of sidewalk encroachment for businesses and parking in many areas.

Ngoc Thanh - Thanh Hai