HCM CITY — Quang Trung Industry Group Joint Stock Company has submitted a proposal to HCM City’s Department of Transport to allow the construction of new-style overpasses for pedestrians as traditional ones have failed to attract local residents.

Under the proposal, the new-style overpasses will be equipped with lifts and escalators as well as public toilets. The overpass will be widened to have places for souvenir and school equipment stalls.

In addition, the pedestrian overpass will be installed with air conditioners and ambient music will be played.

Quang Trung JSC proposed to construct the overpasses in the form of a public-private partnership. Accordingly, the State will invest 80 per cent of the capital and the company will provide the rest. After the overpasses are complete, Quang Trung JSC will take on management and maintenance duties.

The company will also be responsible for electricity and water costs and wages for workers and managers to lessen the burden on the city budget.

According to Quang Trung Industry Group JSC, a number of steel overpasses already cross the main traffic routes for pedestrians, reducing traffic congestion and improving safety.

However, the overpasses have been criticised for their height, equivalent to a three-storey building, discouraging old and disabled people from using them.

HCM City’s Department of Transportation is planning to build overpasses on Hoàng Minh Giám Street (Gia Định Park area), Trương Định Street (in Tao Đàn Park), Kinh Dương Vương Street (in front of An Lạc Secondary School) and Nguyễn Văn Cừ Street (in front of  Lê Hồng Phong High School). — VNS