The Department of Construction recently submitted a plan to the TP HCM People's Committee for the groundbreaking ceremonies of four key projects, marking a celebration for the 14th National Congress of the Party.

The Ben Thanh - Tham Luong metro line 2, an 11 km public investment project, will connect the city center to the northwest gateway. This line includes 10 underground stations, one elevated station, and one depot, with a total investment of approximately 57,000 billion VND.

Land clearance for the project is complete, and technical infrastructure relocation and related procedures are underway for its groundbreaking on 15/1. This project is the first to apply special mechanisms under Resolution 188 of the National Assembly to accelerate progress, aiming for completion in 2030.

Cach Mang Thang Tam street, where the Ben Thanh - Tham Luong metro line passes. Photo: Quynh Tran

Cach Mang Thang Tam street, where the Ben Thanh - Tham Luong metro line passes. Photo: Quynh Tran

The Ben Thanh - Tham Luong line is Ho Chi Minh City's second urban railway, approved in 2010 and initially funded by ODA loans. However, the project faced repeated issues with capital, procedures, and land clearance. It has now transitioned to public investment, funded by the city budget.

In addition to the metro line, three other major projects expected to break ground are the Can Gio bridge, Phu My 2 bridge, and the Rach Chiec National Sports Complex. All will be implemented under a public-private partnership (PPP) model. These projects recently received investment approval from the City People's Council. They are not yet ready for full commencement and will therefore hold groundbreaking ceremonies after investors are selected.

The Rach Chiec National Sports Complex, located in An Khanh ward (former Thu Duc City), represents the largest scale, with an estimated total investment exceeding 145,600 billion VND. The project features multiple functional zones, with a focus on the culture and sports area. This includes a stadium with a capacity of 65,000-75,000 seats, an 18,000-seat arena, and centers for aquatic sports, tennis, general sports, and multi-purpose activities.

The planned area for the Rach Chiec National Sports Complex, 10/2024. Photo: Quynh Tran

The planned area for the Rach Chiec National Sports Complex, 10/2024. Photo: Quynh Tran

The project also incorporates an urban service and public area for athletes and coaches, a plaza, a sports hospital, a convention and exhibition center, green spaces, waterways, and public landscapes. Additionally, it includes an internal technical infrastructure, transportation system, and other components. The implementation period is projected to be about eight years from contract signing.

In southern TP HCM, the Phu My 2 bridge and Can Gio bridge projects have total investments of approximately 23,186 billion VND and over 13,201 billion VND, respectively. The Phu My 2 bridge, spanning 6,3 km, will connect District 7 and Nha Be (former) to Dong Nai province. It will feature eight lanes, with some sections built as a two-story design to increase traffic capacity and minimize land acquisition.

This project is expected to be completed in 2029, forming a vital route to Long Thanh airport. It will alleviate congestion on the existing Phu My bridge and other routes, including National Highway 51 and the Ho Chi Minh City - Long Thanh - Dau Giay expressway.

Perspective of the Can Gio bridge project. Photo: Department of Planning and Architecture

Perspective of the Can Gio bridge project. Photo: Department of Planning and Architecture

The Can Gio bridge project will cross the Soai Rap river, linking Nha Be (former) district with Can Gio district. It includes a main bridge nearly 3 km long, over 3,3 km of access roads, and smaller bridges crossing the Cha river, Tac Song Cha river, and Muong Ngang canal. The bridge is designed with six lanes and a speed limit of 80 km/h.

Once operational, the Can Gio bridge will replace the Binh Khanh ferry, providing a direct connection that will boost tourism and socioeconomic development in the area, especially as the locality advances its coastal urban area project.

Giang Anh