Ho Chi Minh City tests digital permits to ease road and sidewalk chaos
Ho Chi Minh City is set to trial new software for managing roads and sidewalks. The 18-month pilot, funded by VNPT, aims to streamline permit applications and improve oversight. Officials hope the system will address growing demand and technical challenges in monitoring public spaces. The city has seen a sharp rise in requests for road and sidewalk use, particularly in tourist-heavy areas. Permit applications have surged by 200%, while demand for EV charging stations and battery swapping cabinets is expected to hit 20,000 by year’s end. Current systems struggle with real-time tracking and comprehensive data collection.
The new software will process online permit applications and connect directly to the Ministry of Construction’s administrative portal. Training for officials and public employees will begin in the second quarter of this year. After the 18-month trial, city departments will review the programme’s effectiveness and recommend whether to expand or adjust it. The pilot programme will test whether digital tools can ease pressure on the city’s infrastructure management. If successful, the software could become a permanent solution for handling rising demand. The evaluation phase will determine its long-term role in HCM City’s operations.
