Ho Chi Minh City will build a pedestrian walkway route as part of a plan aiming to expand the city’s centre.

The plan, which was designed by the HCM City Department of Planning and Architecture with the assistance of Spanish experts, will soon be submitted to municipal leaders.

Accordingly, the area along Sai Gon river, Dong Khoi road and Nguyen Hue road to Ben Thanh market will form the walking route and become a highlight of the city’s 930 ha new centre.

The route will combine both traditional and modern styles to highlight the city’s special characteristics and its hundred-year history, said Huynh Xuan Thu, an official from HCM City Department of Planning and Architecture.

It will be equipped with a powerful lighting system, wide pavements and more trees. There will be souvenir shops, cafes, benches and artworks displayed on pavements.

The route, together with a central square of Thu Thiem New Urban Area , will constitute a commercial and entertainment centre for both HCM city and the southern region.

Meanwhile, in an effort to curb its current traffic chaos and attract more tourists, Hanoi opened a pedestrian walkway route linking Hang Dao street and Dong Xuan market. More pedestrian areas will soon be opened around Hoan Kiem lake and a number of surrounding roads.

Hoi An city in Quang Nam central province has also selected Bach Dang road to turn it into a street for pedestrians./.