The Ministry of Transport (MOT) has announced plans to commence 19 major transportation projects in 2025, including key expansions of highways and new expressway developments.

Progress in 2024

On December 30, the Ministry of Transport held a conference to review its 2024 achievements and outline priorities for 2025.

In 2024, the ministry launched construction for 10 transportation projects and inaugurated eight others.

Notable challenges, such as land clearance and material sourcing - particularly in southern regions - were addressed, allowing significant progress on critical projects.

Some components of the North-South Expressway, from Quang Ngai to Khanh Hoa, are expected to be completed 3–6 months ahead of schedule.

The MOT reported that, as of 2024, Vietnam has achieved 2,021 kilometers of expressway.

This includes eight newly commenced projects and seven newly operational projects, with the ultimate goal of reaching 3,000 kilometers by 2025.

The ministry has also finalized investment selection for eight rest-stop stations and is tendering bids for 13 additional stations.

Key achievements in aviation and railways

In aviation, the MOT secured National Assembly approval for adjustments to the Long Thanh International Airport project and ensured the timely progress of components such as Terminal 3 at Tan Son Nhat International Airport.

The year also saw approval for investment in the North-South high-speed railway. Preparations are underway for the Lao Cai-Hanoi-Hai Phong railway project, which aims to begin construction by late 2025.

Ambitious plans for 2025
In 2025, the ministry plans to initiate 19 major projects, including 14 overseen by the MOT and five by local authorities. Fifty projects are scheduled for completion within the same year.

These projects will connect critical segments of the North-South Expressway (Eastern Cluster) and other key expressways, contributing to the goal of 3,000 kilometers of operational expressways.

Key routes include:

Tuyen Quang - Ha Giang
Hoa Lien - Tuy Loan
Khanh Hoa - Buon Ma Thuot
Bien Hoa - Vung Tau
Ben Luc - Long Thanh
HCMC Ring Road 3
An Huu - Cao Lanh
Cao Lanh - Lo Te
Lo Te - Rach Soi

Additionally, in the first half of 2025, construction will begin on expansions and upgrades for projects such as the HCMC-Trung Luong-My Thuan Expressway, HCMC-Long Thanh Expressway, Cam Lo-La Son Expressway, and several others.

Challenges and recommendations

While the ministry has achieved significant progress, challenges remain. Land clearance for several major projects has not yet reached 100%.

Issues such as slow deployment of traffic management systems and rest-stop construction have also hindered project synchronization.

The ministry aims to address these gaps while accelerating preparations for new projects to meet its ambitious goals for 2025.

N. Huyen