Ho Chi Minh City Chairman Addresses $430 Million Flood Control Project and Rail Link to Long Thanh Airport

On the morning of November 14th, during the 5th Session (specialized session) of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Council, term X (2021-2026), delegates questioned city leaders about the progress of key transportation projects in the area.

Delegate Tran Hoang Danh expressed his agreement with the session’s content and presentation, particularly regarding infrastructure development, urban improvement, and canal dredging projects funded by the city. He raised a concern: “Previously, the city had a flood control project considering climate change (phase 1), known as the 10 trillion VND project, but it remains stalled. Given the current extreme weather and land subsidence, this project is essential. What is its current status?”

In response, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Nguyen Van Duoc affirmed that this is one of the projects the city will decisively implement. Additionally, he mentioned that the city is launching new projects to create a synchronized, modern infrastructure system, supporting future socio-economic development as outlined in the Resolution of the 1st Congress of the City Party Committee. This aims to position Ho Chi Minh City as a leading livable metropolis.

Chairman Duoc acknowledged that the flood control project has been underway for quite some time. Central leaders have shown great interest and urged Ho Chi Minh City to promptly complete the ongoing work.

At the city level, the Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee has provided strong direction, and the People’s Committee has held numerous meetings on this matter. The city is proceeding in accordance with legal regulations and will settle payments under the previous BT (Build-Transfer) contract based on the State Audit’s findings.

Nguyen Van Duoc added that after implementation, central and city authorities will evaluate the project’s effectiveness and provide further updates.

Regarding the complex project and connectivity system with Long Thanh Airport, Chairman Duoc stated that the Standing Committees of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee and Dong Nai Provincial Party Committee recently met and agreed on numerous inter-regional transportation links, including railways, roads, and bridges.

Immediate priority will be given to connecting Tan Son Nhat and Long Thanh airports. This includes a railway from Thoi Tien to Long Thanh Airport led by Dong Nai, and a railway from Thu Thiem to Long Thanh led by Ho Chi Minh City.

“Relevant units have initiated investment steps. Upcoming proposals will seek government approval, with both localities taking the lead to meet regional travel demands,” Duoc stated.

Regarding road and bridge connections across the Saigon River, Chairman Duoc noted that Ho Chi Minh City and Dong Nai are currently constructing three bridges. Following the completion of the current bridge, two additional bridges will commence construction in early 2026.