VietNamNet Bridge – The HCM City People’s Committee has approved two river dredging projects in District 9 at a total cost of VND2 trillion (US$91 million) to improve the capacity of its waterways to transport cargo and reduce the pressure on roads.

HCM City aims to promote waterway transportation. -- eva.vn

The first involves dredging two canals linking the Mon and Kinh rivers and the Ba Da – Giang canal, and building two bridges along Long Thuan Street and Long Thuan Street Extension.

The work will cost VND868 billion ($38.6 million) and be completed in 2019.

The second project involves dredging of the Tac River and building a new Truong Phuoc Bridge.

They are expected to facilitate transportation between the city’s eastern part and Dong Nai Province, ease pressure on roads and reduce the number of vessels on the Sai Gon River.

The city hopes to develop a port system aligned with its road and waterway systems to facilitate easy transport and improve logistics.

In another development, the Korean International Cooperation Agency has promised the city $2.04 million for a pre-feasibility study for the monorail No 2 system linking National Highway No 50 and the Binh Quoi urban area starting in mid-2019.

The monorail is expected to carry 316 passengers in six coaches at speeds of 30 – 70 km/h.

The system will be 27.2km long with a depot in Phong Phu Commune, Binh Chanh District. 

VNS