Masterise Group submitted a proposal to the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, seeking to participate in the investment study for a riverside road and light rail transit (LRT) or tramway line.

The proposed riverside road, spanning approximately 78,2 km with 8-10 lanes, would begin at Can Gio bridge and conclude at Ben Suc bridge (provincial road 15) in Cu Chi. This route would follow the Saigon River, linking Can Gio, Nha Be, former District 7, former District 1, former Thu Duc City, Hoc Mon, and Cu Chi.

A section of the Saigon River from Ba Son bridge to Thu Thiem bridge, October 2024. Photo: Quynh Tran

Concurrently, a riverside light rail transit (LRT) or tramway line, approximately 48,7 km long, is proposed to link Mien Tay Bus Station with Ba Son. Its anticipated route would traverse the existing Mien Tay Bus Station, Ly Chieu Hoang, Vo Van Kiet, Me Linh Square, Ton Duc Thang, and Ba Son, closely following the Saigon River.

Masterise Group highlights that Ho Chi Minh City's Master Plan for 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050, designates the riverside road and LRT/Tramway line as priority developments. Once completed, this integrated system is expected to establish a public transportation corridor, significantly easing traffic congestion in the city center.

These routes are also designed to integrate with ring roads 2, 3, and 4; the Ben Luc - Long Thanh expressway; national highways 22 and 13; and the Ho Chi Minh City - Moc Bai and Ho Chi Minh City - Chon Thanh expressways. This connectivity aims to complete the region's inter-regional infrastructure network.

Beyond enhancing traffic capacity, the project is anticipated to unlock new opportunities for urban, commercial, and service development along the river. It is also expected to create a distinctive landscape feature and boost tourism.

The proposed riverside road route from Cu Chi to Can Gio previously. Graphics: Khanh Hoang

Masterise Group proposes to conduct the study under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, a build-transfer (BT) contract, or another format aligned with the city's guidelines. Should another entity already be studying this project, Masterise Group requests guidance on the procedures to participate in the bidding process.

Ho Chi Minh City's master plan already outlines a riverside axis, nearly 48,7 km long, connecting the inner city with Cu Chi, which includes an urban railway utilizing either a tramway or LRT system. Prior to Masterise Group's submission, Sun Group had also proposed an 8-10 lane riverside road, coupled with a metro or tramway, for this same corridor.

Giang Anh