Developing green urban areas associated with transport infrastructure

Amid rapid industrialization and urbanization, Dong Nai is facing numerous challenges related to the environment, infrastructure, and urban living quality. In response to the demand for sustainable development, the province has identified the building of green, environmentally friendly urban areas as an inevitable direction, in line with practical conditions and general trends.

From strategic orientations to concrete solutions, Dong Nai is gradually transforming its development model toward an urban ecosystem that harmonizes economic growth, environmental protection, and improved quality of life for residents.

Green urban areas from clean transport infrastructure

As a locality with one of the leading rates of urbanization and industrialization in the Southeast region, Dong Nai is facing significant challenges in environmental pollution and infrastructure pressure due to rapid population growth and expanding production activities. In this context, building green urban areas is not only an urgent solution to improve the environment but also a core foundation for the province to move toward harmonious development between the economy and ecology. Central to this strategy is restructuring transport infrastructure and strictly controlling vehicle emissions, seen as the key to creating a sustainable living space.

A corner of the Bien Hung Roundabout area in Tran Bien ward. Photo: Dang Tung

According to the Traffic Police Division under the Dong Nai Provincial Police, Dong Nai currently has a vast road network of more than 15,000 kilometers, including key national highways and a system of specialized roads serving industry. As a driver of economic growth and logistics for the entire southern region, the dense concentration of heavy trucks and tractor-trailers, with the province managing more than 374,600 automobile records, more than 3.4 million motorcycle records, and 9,000 specialized vehicle records, has created enormous pressure on vehicle emissions.

To address this issue, Dong Nai has determined that it must shift its transport model from traditional to green and clean. Prioritizing infrastructure upgrades and reducing congestion at key intersections not only ensures traffic safety but also directly cuts the volume of harmful emissions released into the urban atmosphere.

In addition to road transport, Dong Nai is maximizing the advantages of its inland waterway network of more than 2,500 kilometers and the North–South railway line running through the province. The combination of multimodal transport significantly reduces pressure on the road system, thereby limiting greenhouse gas emissions from private vehicles and heavy trucks. The Dong Nai River and major stations such as Bien Hoa and Long Khanh not only serve as cargo transit hubs but are also planned for eco-tourism development and landscape preservation, contributing to microclimate regulation in surrounding urban areas.

Nao Thien Anh Minh, Deputy Director of the Dong Nai Department of Construction, said that under the modernization roadmap, Dong Nai is gradually replacing outdated vehicles with modern, high-quality bus fleets. Developing a convenient and safe public passenger transport system is a strategic solution to change residents’ travel habits and gradually reduce dependence on private vehicles. These efforts, combined with the expansion of riverside green belts and public parks, will create natural “lungs” to absorb CO2 and reduce noise pollution.

By synchronously integrating clean transport infrastructure, green spaces, and sustainable industrial emission management, Dong Nai is advancing its goal of becoming a livable urban area where environmental quality and economic growth go hand in hand.

Expectations for green living spaces

Building on the solid foundations already in place, Dong Nai has high expectations for shifting its urban development model toward a green, modern, and livable direction. This undertaking is not only an urgent solution to address the environmental consequences of rapid urbanization but also a long-term strategy to enhance competitiveness, attract investment, and ensure sustainable social welfare. With its position as a gateway to the Southern Key Economic Region, the province aims to build an urban system that develops in harmony between industry, services, and ecological spaces.

National Highway 1 at the Vung Tau Intersection (Tran Bien and Long Hung wards) serves as a gateway traffic hub of Dong Nai province and Ho Chi Minh City.

Major urban areas such as Tran Bien, Long Thanh, Nhon Trach, and Binh Phuoc are being oriented toward innovative development, prioritizing clean energy, environmentally friendly materials, and effective emissions control solutions, aiming to become models of green lifestyles that can adapt to climate change.

Many residents in localities such as Tam Hiep, Long Binh, and Tan Trieu have noted positive changes from waste and wastewater treatment projects and canal renovation work. They believe that when transport infrastructure and industrial zones develop in sync with measures to protect trees and water sources, quality of life will improve markedly.

Following administrative consolidation, Dong Nai now covers an area of 12,737.18 square kilometers, with a population of nearly 4.5 million and 95 commune-level administrative units. The province boasts a synchronized transport infrastructure system encompassing all five modes of transport. Notable projects include Long Thanh International Airport, Phuoc An Port, multiple expressways, a border route adjacent to Cambodia, and the Hoa Lu Border Gate Economic Zone. In addition to being a major industrial center with 83 industrial parks (including economic and high-tech zones) covering more than 36,700 hectares, Dong Nai is also regarded as a livestock “capital,” with many branded agricultural products and strong potential for eco-tourism and resort development.

Chairman of Nhon Trach commune People’s Committee Lu Thanh Nam said that tree-planting movements and waste classification at source are gradually becoming essential parts of daily life, demonstrating residents’ willingness to join hands in building a civilized urban environment.

According to the Dong Nai Department of Agriculture and Environment, from a management perspective, Dong Nai is focusing on improving mechanisms and policies to mobilize resources for investment in green infrastructure and renewable energy. Prioritizing environmentally friendly technologies, expanding public transport, and gradually reducing the use of fossil-fuel-powered private vehicles are key steps in a roadmap to improve air quality. In parallel, the locality will prioritize developing high-quality human resources in urban management and digital technology to effectively operate the smart city model.

Thach Thi Hong, Deputy Head of the Association of Former People’s Public Security Officers in Thien Hung commune, said that when residents clearly understand the value of green living spaces and proactively change their daily habits, the province’s policies will deliver sustainable results. With strategic vision and determination across the entire political system, Dong Nai can achieve its goal of becoming a modern industrial province while preserving a green and friendly living environment.

By Dang Tung – Translated by M.Nguyet, Minho