These congestion hotspots are primarily located in central areas and along key gateway routes such as Hanoi Highway, National Highways 1, 13, and 22, An Phu intersection, and Cat Lai Port.

The information was released following a meeting chaired by Vice Chairman Bui Xuan Cuong on traffic congestion mitigation. According to city data, 336 locations still pose traffic risks, of which 186 are considered high-risk.

Authorities cited inadequate infrastructure capacity to match the rapid vehicle growth, multiple simultaneous construction projects narrowing roadways, sidewalk and roadway encroachment, and low traffic discipline among a portion of citizens as key causes.

In response, the city has set up interagency task forces responsible for resolving congestion in each specific area. These task forces will operate under the “five clears” principle: clear responsibilities, clear units, clear results, clear timelines, and clear coordination duties.

All task forces must be fully deployed by October 15. The city’s goal is to eliminate localized traffic jams before the Lunar New Year (Tet Binh Ngo).

Restoring Binh Quoi ferry to ease surrounding congestion

Alongside infrastructure solutions, the city is also accelerating non-construction-based strategies to alleviate traffic pressure. A notable initiative is the planned restoration of the Binh Quoi ferry service within October 2025.

Once a vital connection across the Saigon River, the Binh Quoi ferry was suspended in June 2024 due to issues with land and water lease permits and dock licensing.

Its closure forced commuters to detour via Binh Trieu 1 Bridge or Pham Van Dong Street, increasing travel time, costs, and strain on already overloaded routes.

Under the latest directive, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Construction - acting as the standing agency for the city’s Traffic Safety Committee - will coordinate with city police and related departments to complete procedures for the ferry’s resumption this month, ensuring both safety and regulatory compliance.

Concurrently, the city is enhancing the use of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) in traffic management. Measures include adjusting traffic signage and signal systems and evaluating new continuous right-turn lanes for motorbikes at intersections that meet safety conditions.

Additionally, the municipal government has tasked the city’s Youth Volunteer Force, port enterprises, and local authorities with optimizing goods flow and vehicle movement. This is expected to reduce congestion around Cat Lai Port and other key logistics corridors.

Phong Hoa