Hanoi authorities have announced a contest to find the best ideas to solve the city’s traffic problems with prizes amounting to VND6bn (USD266,000).

Congestion in Hanoi in the run-up to Lunar New Year

Vu Van Vien, director of the Department of Transport said Hanoi had invested in various infrastructure projects including highways and ring roads.

However, there are still many problems unsolved and the plans still have shortcomings. In addition, congestion is worsening and there are a large number of traffic accidents.

Last year, the prime minister gave approval to Hanoi's Master Transport Plan for 2030, with a vision to 2050. Hanoi’s population is forecast to grow to 7.44 million by 2020, around 9.2 million by 2030, and 10.8 million by 2050. The plan sets a target to increase the public transit share to over 30-35% by 2020, 50% by 2030, and 70% after 2030.

Hanoi has also prepared programmes to implement the master plan. The city also needs new traffic planning that suits the master plan.

The Department of Transport was asked to hold a contest to find the best idea to prevent congestion. The ideas should focus on underground transport spaces and personal vehicle management plans.

The winner will be awarded VND4bn (USD177,000) and the runner-up will be given VND2bn. The authorities will support over VND500m for other ideas that meet the contest's requirements.

The registration starts from January 19.