Vingroup Group has submitted a proposal to the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee (UBND TP HCM) for a significant infrastructure project: a sea-crossing route connecting Can Gio and Vung Tau. Proposed under a public-private partnership (PPP) and build-transfer (BT) contract, the route will span over 14 km. It will comprise a 3,1 km tunnel, nearly 8 km of bridges, and about 3 km of access roads. The starting point of the route is on Bien Dong 2 road within the Can Gio reclaimed urban area, extending southeast across Ghenh Rai Bay, with most of its length situated over the sea. The ending point connects to the planned Mai Sao - Ben Dinh road, intersecting with 30/4 road in Vung Tau. The project requires approximately 137,5 hectares of land; the exact area of water surface and embankment materials will be detailed in a later phase.

Vung Tau in the distance, viewed from Can Gio. *Photo: Quynh Tran*

The preliminary total investment for the project is estimated at about 104,410 billion dong, including loan interest. Under the proposed BT model, the investor will arrange all capital, including site clearance costs, without using state budget funds. In return, the state will compensate the investor with land funds equivalent to the project's value. Vingroup has requested to be appointed as the project investor.

Construction is projected to commence in Quarter I/2027 and conclude in Quarter I/2032. To accelerate project progress, Vingroup urges the city to promptly approve the pre-feasibility study report and allow for a special investor selection mechanism.

According to Vingroup, both Can Gio and Long Son - Vung Tau possess significant potential for eco-tourism, industrial-seaport development, and logistics. However, a direct transportation route is currently lacking. Travel presently involves a detour via National Highway 51 or using the Can Gio - Vung Tau ferry, which takes 90-120 minutes.

Upon completion of the sea-crossing route, travel time is expected to dramatically decrease to 15-20 minutes. This will support the development of the Can Gio Beach Tourist Area and Long Son Industrial Park. Furthermore, it will enhance the operational capacity of the Cai Mep - Thi Vai port cluster and alleviate pressure on National Highway 51 and Road 965.

Can Gio is approximately 15 km from Vung Tau, across Ghenh Rai Bay. The shortest travel route currently available is the ferry, which operates from 6h to 22h, with a ticket price of 70,000 dong per trip. Vingroup is actively investing in the Can Gio coastal urban area, spanning 2,870 hectares and designed for nearly 230,000 residents. Concurrently, the group is proposing a metro line connecting Can Gio to central Ho Chi Minh City, with an estimated total investment of about 3,3 billion USD.

Giang Anh