Pedestrian bridge across Saigon River

(NLDO) - The pedestrian bridge project across the Saigon River, connecting Ben Bach Dang Park with the riverside park of Thu Thiem New Urban Area, is expected to be completed by April 30, 2026.

On the morning of March 29, Ho Chi Minh City held a groundbreaking ceremony for the pedestrian bridge project across the Saigon River, connecting Ben Bach Dang Park (District 1) with the riverside park of Thu Thiem New Urban Area (Thu Duc City). This is a key project to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30, 1975 - April 30, 2025).

Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee Nguyen Van Nen at the groundbreaking ceremony

Attending the event were Politburo member, Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee Nguyen Van Nen; Party Central Committee member, Vice Chairwoman of the National Assembly Nguyen Thi Thanh; Party Central Committee member, Chairman of the National Assembly's Economic and Financial Committee Phan Van Mai; Party Central Committee member, Deputy Secretary of the City Party Committee, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Nguyen Van Duoc; Party Central Committee member, Director of Ho Chi Minh City National University Vu Hai Quan; leaders and former leaders of the Party and State, and representatives of departments, branches and enterprises.

Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Nguyen Van Duoc (right) and Chairman of the National Assembly's Economic and Financial Committee Phan Van Mai at the groundbreaking ceremony.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Mr. Tran Quang Lam, Director of the HCM City Department of Transport, said that the pedestrian bridge across the Saigon River is located in a particularly important area in the city center with high aesthetic requirements. To ensure the quality of the design, the HCM City People's Committee organized an international architectural competition with the support of Dai Quang Minh Real Estate Investment Joint Stock Company (under Thaco Truong Hai Group).

Mr. Tran Quang Lam spoke at the ceremony

As a result, the selected design was the design of the Chodai - Takashi Niwa and Chodai Kisojiban Vietnam joint venture. The bridge is shaped like a coconut leaf - a typical cultural symbol of the South - with a simple but impressive design style, blending with the modern landscape of the city.

Immediately after the architectural plan was approved, the project received special attention from the business community. Nutifood Food Joint Stock Company proposed to sponsor the entire construction cost of the project to show gratitude to the people of Ho Chi Minh City and the whole country, and at the same time contribute to the development of the city.

However, because the project uses sponsored capital, it is not subject to investment regulations, so Ho Chi Minh City has researched and developed a process for receiving projects funded by domestic organizations and individuals. After being approved by the Standing Committee of the City Party Committee, the City People's Committee issued the process in Official Dispatch No. 1169/UBND dated March 9, 2024.

Following the steps in the process, the relevant departments, sectors, Nutifood and consulting units promptly completed the procedures including preparation, appraisal, approval of the policy proposal, appraisal and approval of the pre-feasibility report, and approval of the implementation design after the basic design. Thanks to that, the project was eligible to start construction one month earlier than planned.

The pedestrian bridge project across the Saigon River has a total investment of nearly 1,000 billion VND, about 720m long, 6-11m wide, crossing the river with a large span of 187m, and a clearance of 80x10m. The project applies the spatial steel arch structural solution for the first time in Vietnam, and is considered one of the most unique and impressive pedestrian bridges in the world.

Upon completion, the pedestrian bridge across the Saigon River will not only be a traffic project but also become a new architectural symbol of Ho Chi Minh City, an ideal place for residents and tourists to admire the beauty of the city, organize cultural and artistic events, while promoting tourism and strengthening community cohesion.

With the support of the sponsor and the determination of related units, the project will be constructed with the highest quality and aesthetics, expected to be inaugurated on April 30, 2026.

Mr. Tran Thanh Hai shared at the ceremony

Mr. Tran Thanh Hai, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Nutifood Nutrition Food Joint Stock Company, emphasized the special significance of 2025 - the milestone of the 80th anniversary of the National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the preparation for the journey towards the double-digit growth target, the aspiration to become a high-income country by 2045.

According to Mr. Hai, the pedestrian bridge project is not only a traffic project but also a symbol of Nutifood's gratitude and dedication to Ho Chi Minh City. "The bridge not only connects the two banks of the Saigon River, but also connects dreams and aspirations for a friendly, modern, developed and affectionate Ho Chi Minh City," he shared.

Vice Chairman of the City People's Committee Bui Xuan Cuong speaks

Speaking at the ceremony, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Bui Xuan Cuong affirmed that the city government always appreciates contributions from the community, businesses, investors and people. He emphasized the commitment to work with the highest sense of responsibility, not only ensuring progress but also aiming to create a beautiful, effective and long-term meaningful project.

Mr. Bui Xuan Cuong requested relevant departments, branches and local authorities to closely coordinate with sponsors, contractors and construction units to ensure progress, quality, safety, aesthetics and environmental protection during project implementation.

According to Vice Chairman of the City People's Committee Bui Xuan Cuong, the pedestrian bridge across the Saigon River is expected to become a symbol of the strong development and aspirations of Ho Chi Minh City, while also expressing gratitude and pride in history.

Ho Chi Minh City leaders presented flowers to congratulate Nutifood on its 25th anniversary of establishment and development.

Groundbreaking ceremony of the pedestrian bridge across Saigon River - CLIP: NGOC QUY

Groundbreaking ceremony

Bach Dang wharf area held groundbreaking ceremony

Source: https://nld.com.vn/khoi-cong-bieu-tuong-moi-tp-hcm-cau-di-bo-vuot-song-sai-gon-196250328210409368.htm