Ho Chi Minh City: A new approach to traffic planning is required

DNHN - The People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City recently hosted a symposium on the planning of the transport sector in Ho Chi Minh City to re-evaluate existing planning and prepare for the adjustment of the city's general planning through the end of the year 2040, with a vision to 2060.

According to the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Transport, the City's transportation development plan was authorized by the Prime Minister in 2007, and it was revised in 2013. Until now, traffic works have been implemented. Regional connection as planned through 2020, and the vision beyond 2020, is still sluggish, not synchronized with population expansion, and not consistent with the position and function of the country's economic motor.

Mr Phan Van Mai, Chairman of the People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City, remarked that the city believes that traffic should always come first to pave the road for socioeconomic growth not only for the city but also for the Southeast area. Because of the high amount of cash required, Ho Chi Minh City is experiencing numerous issues in the building of traffic works, and site clearance impacts many people. The projects will take a long time to complete if just the City or Central money is used. As a result, the orientations for the next plan must be seen in a broader context.

The Chairman of the People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City hopes to hear experts' opinions and recommendations on investment models with the concept of executing a traffic economy, not only a traffic project. Investment in transportation infrastructure is not just an issue of the land economy; it is also required to balance the interests of citizens, investors, and the government to expedite traffic projects.

Dr Vu Anh Tuan - Viet Duc University stated today, while contributing to the building of traffic planning in Ho Chi Minh City, that Ho Chi Minh City lacks urban planning and design in line with the orientation of high capacity fast public transportation (TOD model). The public-private partnership (PPP) investment strategy for urban development connected with urban train stations (TOD) will be critical in addressing the funding shortage for infrastructure investment. He stated that the City may use the TOD model to create a high-density, mixed-use urban development in sub-centres, which are the principal urban railway stations and interconnected transportation hubs.

In light of the foregoing, Deputy Minister of Transport Le Anh Tuan proposed that future transportation planning be centred on the potential and advantages of Ho Chi Minh City in the interaction between the two cities. For synchronous and effective development, the system connects with the Southeast, Southwest, the entire country, and internationally.

The Deputy Minister requested that the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee update the planning orientations of synchronous linkage between modes and types of transportation to boost economic growth for the area in general and the city in particular.

P.V (t/h)