Hanoi has planned a 20-trillion VND (940 million USD) project to develop urban areas along the Nhat Tan – Noi Bai axis.

This is expected to become a driving force for the development of the capital's northern region.

The city is preparing to launch the project in 2015, which is expected to be completed within 10 years.

Under the project, the urban areas would cover more than 2,000 hectares along 12 kilometres of Dong Anh and Soc Son districts, which have a total population of 140,000.

The urban areas would consist of a gateway focusing on industry, trade and agriculture, an ASEAN city, a riverside urban zone, and an ecological urban area. An ASEAN cultural village and exhibition centre and a financial tower will be also constructed.

According to Chairman of the municipal People's Committee Nguyen The Thao, as the project is significant for the development of the city's strategic region, all relevant departments and agencies have been asked to work together to ensure its progress.

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung has asked the Hanoi People's Committee to develop the road from Nhat Tan Bridge to Noi Bai International Airport as a modern and model road of the city's gateway.

The 12.1-kilometre road, extending from the Nam Hong intersection to National Highway 12 and the North Thang Long-Noi Bai intersection, is expected to become operational this year, together with the Nhat Tan Bridge and Noi Bai Airport's T2 Station./.