The ceremony was held at Bach Dang Wharf Park in District 1 on March 29. The project, fully funded by Nutifood, has received a total investment of 1 trillion VND.
Attending the ceremony was Nguyen Van Nen, Politburo Member and Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee, along with Nguyen Thi Thanh, Vice Chairwoman of the National Assembly, and former leaders of the Party and State.
The project has a total length of 720 meters, with a main span featuring a cable-stayed arch of 187 meters. The bridge is designed with a horizontal clearance of 80 meters and a vertical clearance of 10 meters to ensure space for waterway traffic. On the District 1 side, the approach bridge and connecting road extend 239 meters, while those on the Thu Duc City side measure 206 meters.
A unique feature of the bridge is its design, inspired by the shape of a nipa palm leaf — a familiar cultural symbol of the Southern region. The design embodies simplicity and elegance, honouring traditional beauty while blending harmoniously with the city’s modern landscape.
The project is expected to be completed by April 30, 2026, after one year of construction.
“The spatial steel arch structure is being applied for the first time in Vietnam, making this one of the most unique and impressive pedestrian bridges in the world. The Sai Gon River pedestrian bridge, along with Thu Thiem Bridge, Ba Son Bridge, the Sai Gon River Tunnel, and the upcoming Thu Thiem 4 Bridge, will contribute to realising the master plan for connecting the central area of Ho Chi Minh City with the new Thu Thiem Urban Area in Thu Duc City. This area is envisioned as a modern financial, commercial, and service hub with international stature,” said Tran Quang Lam, Director of the City Department of Transport and Public Works.
According to the Department of Transport and Public Works, based on the master plan, the city organised an international architectural competition for the Sai Gon River pedestrian bridge. The selected design features a spatial steel arch structure inspired by the nipa palm leaf — a symbol closely associated with the Mekong Delta region. The project was designed by the Chodai-Takashi Niwa-Japan and Chodai Kisojiban Vietnam consortium.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Bui Xuan Cuong, Vice Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, expressed his deepest gratitude to Nutifood, the main sponsor of this project, for demonstrating great social responsibility by accompanying the city in creating community value and contributing to the development of a more modern urban landscape.
“It is even more meaningful that the project has met the necessary conditions to officially commence construction right on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Southern liberation and national reunification,” he added.
According to Bui Xuan Cuong, upon completion, the pedestrian bridge will not only serve as a transportation infrastructure but also become a new architectural landmark of the city. It will be a place for residents and visitors to admire the city's beauty, participate in cultural and artistic events, and foster social connections while boosting tourism.
Ho Chi Minh City is implementing various strategic development goals, aiming to build a smart and modern urban area while preserving its rich cultural heritage through meaningful projects like this.
