Hanoi pays ₫117 billion in cash to households affected by highway widening

Authorities in Hanoi’s Bach Mai Ward distributed ₫117 billion in cash compensation and financial support to 12 households affected by the widening of National Highway 1. The biggest payment was ₫34 billion.

Le Thi Kim Hue, chairwoman of the Kim Lien Ward People’s Committee, told Tuoi Tre that existing regulations require cash payments for land clearance compensation to individuals. She said the State Treasury supplies the money directly, rather than routing it through banks. An official in Bach Mai also cited legal requirements and Hanoi’s rules, but said organisations may receive transfers into accounts held by their legal representatives.

Banks have stationed staff at payment locations in coordination with local authorities so recipients can deposit the cash straight away, Hue said. Some households separately arranged for bank employees to bring counting machines. Authorities have also provided police escorts and specialised vehicles for people choosing to take their money home.

The highway expansion affects 222 households and nine organisations in Bach Mai Ward. Before this distribution, four payment rounds had provided more than ₫650 billion to 59 households. Authorities are working towards approving compensation plans for the remaining households by the end of October while dealing with unresolved concerns and complaints.

Construction of the National Highway 1 Corridor Development and Urban Redevelopment Project began in May 2026 under a public-private partnership using a build-transfer contract. The 36.3-kilometre route links Beltway 1 with the Cau Gie interchange through 18 Hanoi wards and communes. It is planned to be 90 metres wide, require approximately 337.3 hectares and be completed in 2027.