VietNamNet Bridge – The HCMC government will implement 80 traffic infrastructure projects with total capital of VND39,263 billion (US$1.72 billion) this year in a bid to ease congestion, according to the city’s Department of Transport.


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Road users are seen inside the Saigon River Tunnel linking districts 1 and 2 in HCMC. The HCMC government will invest heavily in traffic infrastructure in a bid to reduce congestion this year

 


In particular, there will be some 50 projects with total capital of VND8,417 billion, funded by the city budget, three projects costing VND9,253 billion, financed by the central State budget, and three projects using official development assistance (ODA) capital worth VND9,440 billion.

In addition, there will be some 24 public-private partnership (PPP) projects with a total cost of VND12,153 billion.

The department said the city government has identified specific capital sources for those projects.

Municipal authorities have set out their top priorities to finish investment procedures to accelerate project progress this year. At the same time, the city will commence and complete traffic infrastructure projects in the areas around Tan Son Nhat International Airport and Cat Lai Port, and the city’s downtown area and gateways in a bid to ease traffic congestion, in addition to inland waterway transport projects.

As assessed by the authorities, the city’s traffic problems have been worsening, affecting local residents. In a meeting between HCMC chairman Nguyen Thanh Phong and city departments and agencies last week, a slew of urgent and long-term measures were proposed to cope with the worsening traffic situation.

The city government will create a website providing a real-time traffic map for locals to avoid traffic jams and take alternative routes. Besides, the city will find ways to send text messages about traffic conditions to road users, and arrange staggering working hours so as to reduce traffic jams.

The Transport Department will strictly regulate parking in the city’s downtown areas, and manage traffic circulation appropriately. It will also coordinate with the police to tackle congestion at 37 traffic hotspots.

The city has been accelerating construction of overpasses and tunnels, and the relocation of bus stations to outlying areas in the long run.


SGT