At the regular press conference on the socio-economic situation of Ho Chi Minh City on the afternoon of January 16, Mr. Do Ngoc Hai - Head of the Department of Construction Maintenance and Operation Management (Ho Chi Minh City Department of Transport) said that recently, traffic congestion in the central area of Ho Chi Minh City has tended to increase, especially during rush hours and when major events and festivals take place.
According to statistics, traffic volume in the central area has increased by 11% compared to before, creating great pressure on traffic infrastructure.
“The implementation of Decree 168 has brought about some positive results. Traffic has become more orderly and orderly, and the number of violations has decreased significantly. Although there are long queues at intersections, compliance with traffic signals has helped limit serious congestion,” said Mr. Hai.
In order to solve the traffic congestion, the Department of Transport of Ho Chi Minh City has coordinated with the Department of Road and Railway Traffic Police (PC08) to review each intersection to install additional right turn signals. Initially, these lights will be given priority to two-wheeled vehicles at intersections with long queues but with little impact on pedestrians.
As of January 15, 2025, the city has installed 301 traffic lights and 126 intersections. It is expected that by January 19, 2025, this number will increase to 500 lights at key traffic points. The deployment is carried out in parallel with the effectiveness assessment process, ensuring that it is suitable for traffic volume and actual conditions in each area.
In addition, Ho Chi Minh City has piloted the application of cameras using artificial intelligence (AI) technology at several major intersections such as Ung Van Khiem and Dong Van Cong. This technology helps build traffic scenarios, optimize traffic flow regulation and connect the traffic network between intersections. “If the pilot is successful, the model will be expanded throughout the city, creating synchronization in traffic management,” Mr. Hai emphasized.
Currently, the city’s traffic system is basically equipped with items such as traffic lights, signs and painted lines. However, with the pressure of increasing traffic volume, the city needs to continue investing, upgrading traffic infrastructure and developing public transport. This is an important solution to ensure stable, safe and sustainable traffic for the entire area.
