The area near Khánh Hội Bridge in HCM City that is earmarked for major landscape improvements. — VNA/VNS Photo Hồng Đạt

HCM CITY — HCM City will break ground on or complete more than 100 infrastructure works to mark the 50th anniversary of the renaming of Sài Gòn-Gia Định as HCM City after President Hồ Chí Minh on July 2, 1976.

Local authorities and departments are scrambling to speed up preparatory works to ensure the projects remain on schedule.

In June, the city government is prioritising measures to accelerate investment procedures, finalise paperwork, and ensure key projects are ready for breaking ground.

According to the Department of Construction, seven of the nine key projects scheduled to get under way on July 2 have more or less completed all requirements.

They include the Hồ Tràm-Long Thành International Airport expressway, the sea-crossing route linking Cần Giờ and Vũng Tàu, the Cát Lái-Phú Hữu and Thủ Thiêm 4 Bridge.

The sea-crossing project is being accelerated to complete key procedures this month.

Spanning 14km across four communes and wards, the six-lane road will cost VNĐ93 trillion (US$3.5 billion) and include an undersea tunnel of more than 3.8km.

Local authorities are working closely with relevant departments and investors to ensure construction begins on schedule.

Hoàng Vũ Thảnh, director of the Department of Finance, said the city is also focusing resources on completing procedures to begin the Thủ Thiêm-Long Thành railway project before June 30.

The 47.7km line will run 11.5km through the city and 36.2km in neighbouring Đồng Nai City, with two underground and 17 elevated stations.

Once completed, these strategic transport projects will integrate the urban transit system, creating seamless connections between the city centre, coastal areas, and Long Thành International Airport and strengthening connectivity, tourism, trade, logistics, and the marine economy.

An overview of coastal road ĐT994 in HCM City, which will serve as the starting point connecting the Hồ Tràm expressway with Long Thành International Airport in Đồng Nai. — VNA/VNS Photo Hoàng Nhị

Alongside major transport projects, the city is also rolling out a range of social welfare initiatives covering healthcare, education, culture, and environmental protection.

Notable projects include improvements to water bodies, construction of the Bến Nhà Rồng-Khánh Hội Cultural Park, and creation of public green spaces along the Sài Gòn River.

Affordable housing development is also being prioritised, including the Định Hòa and Việt Sing residential areas.

The Bến Nhà Rồng-Khánh Hội Cultural Park and Sài Gòn River green space project are a key focus, with authorities racing to complete site clearance.

The projects require the relocation of 180 families.

Trần Thị Thanh Thảo, chairwoman of the Xóm Chiếu Ward People’s Committee, said the ward has proposed 180 resettlement units on Nguyễn Tất Thành Street and thoroughly discussed the issue with the affected people to ensure fairness and transparency in compensation and relocation.

Ahead of the 2026-27 school year, the city aims to complete 70 school renovation and construction projects, adding 1,251 classrooms.

It also plans to break ground on another 100 education projects that will provide an additional 1,514 classrooms.

Across 168 wards and communes, emulation movements have been launched to promote smart city development, civilised lifestyles, and environmental protection.

In Tân Định Ward, businesses, schools, and residential communities have registered 50 practical initiatives, ranging from digital literacy campaigns and administrative reforms to the development of green alleys, schools, and libraries.

The city's Phước Thắng Ward has planted 3,500 bird-of-paradise flowers along a 690-metre stretch of Võ Nguyên Giáp Street to beautify the gateway to the coastal tourist destination.

Other localities have launched "great solidarity gardens" to expand green spaces.

In Bình Lợi Commune, 600 giáng hương (Burma padauk) saplings were planted on two hectares in Láng Le Park, and Bình Dương Ward planted more than 300 sao (Hopea odorata) trees to improve the landscape around its densely concentrated industrial parks. — VNS