Tourism boats at Bạch Đằng Wharf in HCM City’s District 1.The city plans to develop inland waterway transport in its south-southwest area. — VNS Photo Nguyễn Diệp

HCM CITY — HCM City plans to develop inland waterway transport in its south-southwest area to meet socio-economic development needs.

The municipal People’s Committee has asked the Department of Transport to develop planning for inland waterway transport infrastructure in the 2021-30 period, with a vision to 2050.

The planning will be added to the city’s transport infrastructure development project in the 2020-30 period.

Development of the waterway network is expected to create momentum for local growth and regional connectivity.

The department will conduct research to expand inland waterways, ports and wharves in the south-southwest area, including Củ Chi and Bình Chánh districts.

It will give priority to modern multi-functional ports combined with auxiliary utilities and services to reduce traffic pressure on roads.

The city aims to diversify its means of waterway transport, serving tourists and passengers.

Waterway routes linking the city and neighbouring provinces will be developed.

The city also plans to preserve its existing natural wetlands to strengthen their roles in maintaining functions as draining areas.

It has also proposed that the Việt Nam Inland Waterway Administration should assign it to take responsibility for waterway management in areas with the city's tidal sluices.

The city has a system of rivers and canals with a combined length of nearly 1,000km.

There are 92 inland waterways routes on canals and rivers, totaling nearly 600 kilometres long.

Its first public river bus route connecting Bạch Đằng Wharf in District 1 with Thủ Đức District’s Linh Đông ward was put into operation in 2017.

A new high-speed boat service between downtown HCM City and outlying Củ Chi District through Bình Dương Province began in July.

Quốc Chánh Company Limited announced plans to launch a new ferry service between the city’s Cần Giờ District and Vũng Tàu City in September. — VNS