The World Bank Group’s board of executive directors Saturday approved a loan of $124 million to improve the performance and efficiency of public transport in a high-priority corridor in Ho Chi Minh City.
The city, Vietnam’s principal economic hub, generates one-fifth of Vietnam’s gross domestic product. Along with its surrounding region, Ho Chi Minh City accounts for almost half of Vietnam’s total manufacturing output, World Bank report said.
“To ensure continued strong economic performance and achieve Vietnam’s goal of successfully transitioning to middle-income status, the national government is seeking to address infrastructure constraints as one of its key strategic direction,” said Arturo Ardila-Gomez, the World Bank’s project team leader. “Given HCMC’s pivotal role in the national economy, the project focuses on upgrading a key transport corridor to demonstrate the potential of a sustainable urban transport system.”
The project will finance the development of a Bus Rapid Transit corridor between An Lac in the southwest and Rach Chiec in the northeast, following the Vo Van Kiet and Mai Chi Tho Boulevards, stretching about 23 kilometers, with 28 stations.
The system, once completed, will be able to transport up to 28,300 passengers a day. Its design aims to address the needs of women, children and people with disabilities. Design features include keeping all bus and station doors at the same level, making it easier for passengers to board and exit buses and load strollers and other carriers.
Stations will have low-slope ramps for wheelchair access, making it easier for people with disabilities. In addition, the project will finance at least 28 buses that will run on compressed natural gas, a cleaner fuel that reduces emissions and pollution.
The project has a total cost of $137.45 million and will be financed by an International Development Association credit equivalent to $124 million. The remaining investment will be co-financed by the Socialist Republic of Vietnam ($13.45 million). The IDA credit will have a maturity of 25 years, including a grace period of five years.
