International Scientific Seminar: “Urban Railways and the TOD Model in Sustainable Transport Planning” with a Professor from the University of Tokyo
On 19 August 2026, the University of Transport Technology (UTT) successfully organized an international scientific seminar themed “Urban Railways and the TOD Model in Sustainable Transport Planning”. The event was honored to welcome Prof. Hironori Kato - an expert in transport planning and economics from the University of Tokyo (Japan), who attended the seminar in person and delivered presentations.
Attending the seminar, international guests included Prof. Hironori Kato (University of Tokyo, Japan); Dr. Nguyen Tien Dung (Vietnam Japan University). Representing the University of Transport Technology were Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ngo Thi Thanh Huong - Head of the Office of Science, Technology and International Cooperation; Dr. Phung Ba Thang - Vice Dean of the Faculty of Civil Engineering; Dr. Truong Thi My Thanh - Head of the Department of Urban Planning and Transport; Dr. Nguyen Van Dang - Deputy Director in charge of the High-Speed Railway Center; together with a large number of the University’s staff, lecturers, researchers and students.
Overview of the international scientific seminar
Bridging Academic Research and Practical Urban Transport Infrastructure Development
Promoting international research cooperation and strengthening the connection between education and the practical development of national transport infrastructure is a key strategy of UTT. In the context of major cities in Vietnam, particularly the capital city of Hanoi, actively expanding their urban railway networks to address pollution and traffic congestion, the application of the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) model is considered a key long-term solution.
At the seminar, on behalf of the University’s leadership, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ngo Thi Thanh Huong presented a meaningful commemorative gift to Prof. Hironori Kato.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ngo Thi Thanh Huong presenting a commemorative gift to Prof. Hironori Kato
Engaging Professional Seminar Session for Lecturers and Researchers
During the professional session, delegates listened to and discussed three in-depth research presentations. Prof. Hironori Kato (University of Tokyo) opened the session with the presentation “Urban Rail Development Planning in the Tokyo Metropolitan Area”. The Professor provided a comprehensive overview of the development history, management models, investment policies and experience in integrating railway networks with urban spaces in Tokyo – one of the metropolitan areas with the most efficient public transport systems in the world.
Prof. Hironori Kato (University of Tokyo) presenting his research
Dr. Truong Thi My Thanh (UTT) presented the study “Building the Foundation for TOD Development: Quantifying the Impact of Hanoi Urban Railways on Property Values for Future Urban Planning”. The presentation provided empirical scientific evidence from Metro lines in Hanoi and proposed a land value capture model to reinvest in infrastructure.
Dr. Truong Thi My Thanh (UTT) presenting her research
PhD candidate Nguyen Huy Hung (UTT) presented the study “The Impact of Traffic Management on Transit-Oriented Development (TOD): A Case Study in Hanoi, Vietnam”. The study focused on analyzing traffic management and mixed-traffic organization solutions to improve connectivity and accessibility to urban railway stations.
PhD candidate Nguyen Huy Hung (UTT) presenting his research
Inspiring the Younger Generation through a Special Lecture for Students
Immediately after the professional session, Prof. Hironori Kato delivered a special lecture exclusively for UTT students on the topic “High-Speed Rail Planning in Japan”. The engaging lecture on Shinkansen technology, railway route planning approaches and the socio-economic benefits of high-speed rail attracted considerable interest. During the Q&A session, UTT students confidently engaged in discussions and asked many questions in English about planning, technology applications, and operations management in the future railway sector.
The scientific seminar concluded in an enthusiastic atmosphere with many positive outcomes. The event not only provided valuable knowledge but also laid a solid foundation for future research cooperation and academic exchange programs between the University of Transport Technology and the University of Tokyo.
Faculty of Civil Engineering
