The Ministry of Construction has submitted a proposal to the Government to expand 18 sections of the North-South Expressway (Eastern cluster) to six lanes, with a total projected investment of over VND 152 trillion (approximately USD 6.3 billion).

According to the national expressway development plan, the North-South Expressway (Eastern axis) is expected to span about 2,055 km, with 6 to 12 lanes. So far, 1,652 km have been completed and opened to traffic. Another 388 km are currently under construction for the 2021-2025 phase, mainly as limited four-lane routes.

By the end of 2025, approximately 1,222 km of the expressway will remain at limited four-lane capacity, including sections such as Huu Nghi border gate - Chi Lang (43 km), Mai Son - Cam Lo (465 km), Quang Ngai - Phan Thiet (580 km), and My Thuan - Ca Mau (134 km).

Targeted expansion for high-demand corridors

To meet rising transportation demand and facilitate project implementation, the Ministry proposes prioritizing the expansion of the Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh City stretch. This segment includes 18 sub-projects totaling around 1,144 km.

Sections from My Thuan - Can Tho - Ca Mau (149 km) are excluded from this phase due to lower traffic volumes, challenging construction conditions, and limited materials availability.

Among the 18 proposed expansions, three are under BOT (Build-Operate-Transfer) toll collection contracts, while the remaining 15 were developed with public investment. Upon expansion, these 15 sections would also begin toll collection in accordance with regulations.

The Ministry recommends immediate expansion of all 18 sections to six lanes as originally planned, at a preliminary cost of VND 152 trillion (USD 6.3 billion).

Public-private partnership model proposed

The Ministry of Construction emphasized that the expressway expansion will be implemented under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, specifically through BOT contracts. This approach aligns with national strategies for mobilizing private investment in infrastructure.

The move follows recent government directives calling for urgent acceleration of key transport projects and strategic development of the North-South Expressway as a backbone of the country’s logistics network.

N. Huyen