Ho Chi Minh City blames surge in vehicles, roadworks for worsening traffic jams

The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Construction reported that jams have worsened at major gateways and downtown streets on account of a surge in private vehicles, limited road capacity, and poor driving discipline. 

Many roads remain narrow, intersections outdated, and public parking insufficient, the department said.

Dozens of ongoing construction projects have also occupied road space, adding to the congestion. 

Street vending, illegal parking, and frequent lane violations have further aggravated the problem.

To ease traffic gridlock, the city is accelerating major infrastructure projects, including the Ring Road 3, An Phu and Tan Van interchanges, the My Thuy junction, and upgrades to National Highway 50. 

Work on metro line No. 2 and the Ho Chi Minh City–Moc Bai expressway is also being fast-tracked.

Authorities plan additional developments through 2030, such as a Thu Thiem–Long Thanh railway linked to the under-construction Long Thanh International Airport and nine metro routes.

The city said it will continue expanding public transport and tightening control over private vehicles as part of its long-term plan to build a smart, sustainable transportation system.