The Hanoi People's Council has approved the investment policy for a project aimed at renovating and enhancing the value of the West Lake area and its surrounding scenic road. A core aspect of this initiative involves widening over 11 km of the road around the lake to 21-24 m. Tran Hieu, Deputy Head of the West Lake Management Board, confirmed on 29/1 that the project will not affect the West Lake's water surface area, nor will it require land clearance or take land from local residents. This commitment aligns with the plan approved by the Hanoi People's Committee, which mandates preserving the lake's original state.

Hieu added that specialized agencies would research and employ technical solutions to widen the roads around the lake. However, he did not elaborate on the specific methods.

A section of Nguyen Dinh Thi street along West Lake. *Photo: Vo Hai*

The project, whose policy was approved by the city's People's Council on 27/1, has a study scope of approximately 575 ha. The West Lake's water surface area of 527 ha will remain unchanged, with the land area covering about 49,7 ha, including other small lakes. The project's scope encompasses the entire West Lake area, bounded by Thanh Nien, Thuy Khue, Nguyen Dinh Thi, Trich Sai, Lac Long Quan, Ve Ho, Nhat Chieu, Sen Tay Ho, Quang Ba, Quang Khanh, Quang An, Tu Hoa, Vu Mien, Yen Hoa, and Thanh Nien roads.

The total length of the adjusted routes around the lake is over 11 km. Sections such as Nhat Chieu, Ve Ho, Trich Sai, Nguyen Dinh Thi, Quang An, and Quang Ba are proposed for widening to 21-24 m. Segments passing through existing flower gardens will be expanded to ensure a 7 m carriageway on each side and a 5 m lakeside sidewalk, aiming to preserve green space and minimize landscape impact. The Thanh Nien and Quang Khanh sections will maintain their current cross-sections, with renovations to sidewalks, flower gardens, and parks. Similarly, the Tu Hoa, Yen Hoa, and Lac Long Quan sections will retain their existing traffic cross-sections, with sidewalk improvements.

The project aims to create lakeside public squares and viewing platforms, including: 27 viewing platforms and two floating squares at Van Cao and Kim Nguu wharf. It also involves constructing scenic bridges, Nhat Chieu and Sam Cam, with an average width of about 10 m, and six boat docks, comprising three main and three auxiliary berths.

The preliminary total investment is approximately 30.000 billion VND. Phase 1, from Quarter I/2026 to Quarter II/2027, will see the completion of the Quang Ba, Quang Khanh, Quang An, Tu Hoa, Yen Hoa, and Thanh Nien sections. Phase 2, from Quarter III/2027 to Quarter I/2030, will implement the remaining components.

West Lake, Hanoi's largest natural freshwater lake, is situated northwest of the city center. Spanning over 526 ha with a circumference of approximately 15 km, it formed from an ancient section of the Red River. The lake boasts a diverse ecosystem, home to 72 species of phytoplankton, 47 species of benthic algae, 37 species of zooplankton, 29 species of benthic animals, 12 species of crustaceans, and 46 species of fish.