The Tham Luong, Ben Cat and Nuoc Len canal reconstruction project in Ho Chi Minh City is about 75% complete; technical traffic is planned to open at the end of 2026, with full operation expected on June 30, 2027.
On October 14, the Ho Chi Minh City Urban Infrastructure Investment Project Management Board said construction on the Tham Luong, Ben Cat and Nuoc Len canal reconstruction project was about 75% complete.
The main completed works include about 62 km of embankment and 48 km of roads along both banks. The investor plans to open technical traffic at the end of 2026 and complete the project for operation on June 30, 2027.
The project passes through several wards and communes in Ho Chi Minh City. Its total investment is VND9.03 trillion, including VND4 trillion from the central budget and VND5.03 trillion from the Ho Chi Minh City budget.
The project is intended to improve the canal environment, build transport infrastructure along both banks, improve drainage, enhance the landscape and connect water transport routes. Once completed, it is expected to improve living conditions in residential areas along the route.
The design includes more than 63 km of embankment and dredging 31.5 km of canal. The canal will be 30 to 40 m wide depending on the section. Roads along both banks will total 63.4 km, with carriageways 7–12 m wide and sidewalks at least 3 m wide. By scale, it is the largest canal reconstruction project carried out in Ho Chi Minh City in recent years.
Other works include a stormwater drainage system, 12 boat piers, three transport bridges along the route, intersections, utility tunnels and lighting. The project also includes greenery and parks covering more than 36 ha, additional outfalls, tidal-control valves and water intake points for firefighting.
The project has 11 construction packages, all of which have started. Ten packages cover separate canal sections, while package No. 11 provides temporary bridges for residents.
The project affects about 3,300 households. The project management board said compensation for land clearance had been completed in full, allowing contractors to continue work along the route.
The project was originally scheduled for 2022–2026. Because additional works are needed to improve the investment's effectiveness, the implementation period is expected to be adjusted to 2021–2027.
Sources: Thanh Niên
