Hanoi wants Japan-built parking planning

In a document sent to the Government, the committee said the planning of underground parking areas in four inner districts of the city is necessary to solve the urgent parking demand of residents and curb traffic congestion.

The project, which will be implemented in Hoan Kiem, Ba Dinh, Dong Da, and Hai Ba Trung districts, must include measures to protect the historical value of the city and connect commercial and cultural centres and infrastructure. The cost of planning the underground garage system in the city is VND500 million (US$22,030), which has been approved by the city’s committee.

According to the committee, the underground parking stations project is the first of its kind in Vietnam, and the city has no experience. Thus, it is necessary to select the right consultant unit to execute the project.

However, the committee found that none of the domestic units had experience in implementing such projects. Therefore, it decided to propose to the Government to select a contractor following Article 26 of the Bidding Law.

It suggested Nikken Sekkei Civil Engineering Ltd under Japan’s Nikken Sekkei Corporation execute the project considering the firm’s experience in implementing various projects in the field of underground infrastructure in Japan. The company has also participated in planning urban and industrial areas in more than 30 cities and provinces nationwide.

Previously, in January, the committee was approved to hire the company to implement the planning of urban areas at Hanoi’s railway stations and surrounding areas.