Under Decision No. 1248/QD-UBND, the municipal government will complete a comprehensive planning framework, including underground space planning, four technical infrastructure plans, 21 urban zoning plans and 21 commune master plans. The plans will integrate geographic information system (GIS) data to support smart urban management.

Illustrative image.

The 21 urban zoning plans at a scale of 1:2,000 and the 21 commune master plans are scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 2027, while underground space and technical infrastructure plans are expected to be finished in the third quarter.

The city will also review industrial park plans and develop detailed plans for functional areas, public spaces and transit-oriented development (TOD) hubs.

Priority investment areas include smart cities, public transport-oriented urban development, semiconductors, microchips and artificial intelligence.

Authorities will also study proposals for a duty-free trade zone, a special economic zone linked to Gia Binh International Airport and a specialised economic zone connected to Kep railway station.

Transport links, railways, logistics facilities, ports and environmental treatment infrastructure will also be prioritised.

The plan sets out three development phases. From 2026 to 2030, Bac Ninh aims to meet the criteria for a first-class city and become a centrally governed city before 2030.

The population is projected to reach about 4.95 million, with urbanisation of at least 65%. The first phase of Gia Binh International Airport is also expected to begin operations.

From 2030 to 2040, the city will develop a multi-polar, multi-centre urban structure, expand rail and urban metro networks, and establish major logistics hubs in Que Vo, Gia Binh and Kep. The population is forecast to reach 7.5-7.7 million, with urbanisation of at least 75%.

From 2040 to 2050, priorities will include improving quality of life, expanding the digital, green and circular economies, and pursuing net-zero emissions. The population is projected to reach 8.6-8.9 million, with urbanisation exceeding 80%.

By 2075, Bac Ninh aims to become a modern, sustainable metropolis with a distinctive Kinh Bac cultural identity and a population of more than 10 million, supported by knowledge-based industries, semiconductors, aviation and global services.

The city will mobilise public and private funding, including public-private partnerships, with the Department of Construction overseeing implementation.

Bac Ninh strengthens urban governance toward centrally run city status

Beyond meeting the requirements for infrastructure, population and socio-economic development, the province is focusing on strengthening the capacity of local administrations, improving public services and better responding to the needs of residents and businesses.

Rivers in full spate, triggering floods in Hanoi’s suburban areas

Authorities warned that flooding could affect residents, agriculture, aquaculture, transport and daily activities while landslides are also possible in vulnerable areas.

Bac Ninh seeks balanced urban development

BAC NINH - Bac Ninh's urban areas are undergoing rapid transformation toward more modern and civilised landscape, with residential areas, roads, parks and lakes increasingly incorporated into urban planning. But the fast expansion of high-rise apartment projects is putting greater pressure on infrastructure and raising the need for more coordinated urban development.

Bac Ninh upgrades urban governance to target centrally governed city status

BAC NINH - Bac Ninh province is focusing on improving technical infrastructure, living standards and digital transformation while building a dynamic and professional public workforce as it seeks to become a centrally governed city.

Hanoi seeks cooperation with Russian localities in developing urban railways

Russia has advanced technologies and expertise in transport, while Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City - Vietnam's two special cities and economic locomotives - are prioritising the development of urban transport, urban railways and smart infrastructure, offering significant potential for expanded cooperation.

Quang Ninh, Bac Ninh urged to embrace modern urban governance

According to Government proposals submitted to the legislature, Quang Ninh and Bac Ninh cities will be formed based on the respective natural areas, populations and numbers of commune-level administrative units of the two provinces. Both proposals meet all five conditions stipulated in the Law on Organisation of Local Administration No. 72/2025/QH15 and all seven criteria for establishing centrally-run cities under Resolution No. 112/2025/UBTVQH15.