Vingroup eyes sea-crossing bridge in expanded HCMC

Vietnamese conglomerate Vingroup (HoSE: VIC) has sought approval from Ho Chi Minh City authorities to conduct a study for a sea-crossing bridge connecting Can Gio commune and Vung Tau ward under a build-transfer (BT) model.

If approved, the project would create a new overland route linking the coastal commune in southern HCMC with the popular beach destination of Vung Tau, easing chronic congestion on existing routes that are frequently jammed on weekends and holidays.

Vingroup said the proposal aligns with the prime minister’s Decision 1125/QD-TTg, issued on June 11, which approves the revised master plan for HCMC through 2040 and prioritizes modern infrastructure and regional connectivity.

The group said the bridge would cut travel times between coastal zones, strengthen economic and logistics linkages, and support sustainable urban expansion in the newly expanded HCMC, which now incorporates formerly Ba Ria-Vung Tau and Binh Duong provinces.

The Can Gio-Vung Tau corridor is considered strategic for Vietnam’s maritime economy, port development, tourism, and coastal urbanization but remains underdeveloped, relying mainly on ferry routes and indirect highways.

Can Gio has recently emerged as a key growth area for the city. In April, Vingroup broke ground on Vinhomes Green Paradise, a 2,870-hectare sea-encroachment tourism and urban project there.

The group has also proposed a high-speed rail link between the Phu My Hung urban area and Can Gio, designed for speeds up to 350 km/h, cutting travel time between the two locations to around 12 minutes.

In March, the HCMC Department of Construction and the consulting unit studied a section of a southern coastal road passing through HCMC. The study also covers the investment plan for the Can Gio sea bridge linking with Vung Tau.

HCMC, Ba Ria-Vung Tau province, and Binh Duong province were recently merged to form the new HCMC.