Accordingly, between 2022 and 2023, the city will open pedestrian streets on Saturdays and Sundays at the Ho Con Rua Roundabout and on Pham Ngoc Thach, Cong Xa Paris, Dong Khoi, Le Loi, Phan Chu Trinh and Phan Boi Chau streets. During the period, the city will prioritize pedestrians and restrict vehicles on Nguyen An Ninh and Luu Van Lang streets, surrounding the Ben Thanh Market.
Over the next two years, the plan to open pedestrian streets will be expanded to Ton Duc Thang and branch roads including Lam Son Square, Nguyen Thiep, Dong Du, Mac Thi Buoi, Phan Van Dat, Ngo Duc Ke, and Ho Huan Nghiep.
Meanwhile, in the third phase (2024 - 2025) some other pedestrian streets will be opened on Ham Nghi, Ton Duc Thang, Cao Ba Quat, Nguyen Sieu, Thi Sach and Thai Van Lung streets.
The solutions to organize pedestrian streets set forth by the Department of Transport are to renovate intersections and sidewalks for pedestrians, organise traffic flow and lane division, strengthen the connection with the public transport network, non-motorized traffic, and private parking and improve landscapes, lighting, and street decoration.
The organisation of walking space in the central area is aimed at the long-term goal of Ho Chi Minh City, which is to reduce the number of cars entering the city centre and improve people's living quality. At the same time, the plan is expected to contribute to improving the attractiveness, promoting tourism, commerce and service activities in the central area, where there are many historical relics, scenic spots, and architectural and cultural works of the city.
