The Vietnam Road Administration recently submitted a toll collection plan for 13 component projects of the North-South Expressway, covering the 2021-2025 phase, to the Ministry of Construction. This initiative, focusing on state-invested eastern sections, proposes tolls from 900 to 1,300 VND per km, implemented through electronic toll collection (ETC) systems.

The proposal outlines two primary toll rates. Twelve sections are recommended for a 900 VND/km toll: Bai Vot - Ham Nghi, Ham Nghi - Vung Ang, Vung Ang - Bung, Bung - Van Ninh, Van Ninh - Cam Lo, Quang Ngai - Hoai Nhon, Hoai Nhon - Quy Nhon, Quy Nhon - Chi Thanh, Chi Thanh - Van Phong, Van Phong - Nha Trang, Can Tho - Hau Giang, and Hau Giang - Ca Mau. The Hoa Lien - Tuy Loan Expressway, however, would be tolled at 1,300 VND/km.

The difference in pricing reflects the road infrastructure. The 12 sections with a 900 VND/km rate feature four lanes with discontinuous emergency lanes, which do not fully meet the requirements stipulated in the Road Law. In contrast, the Hoa Lien - Tuy Loan Expressway commands a higher rate due to its four lanes and continuous emergency lanes, offering a more complete emergency stopping facility.

Tolls will be calculated based on the actual distance traveled by vehicles. The plan categorizes vehicles into groups: vehicle group mot includes cars with fewer than 12 seats, trucks under 2 tons, and public buses; vehicle group 5 comprises trucks weighing 18 tons or more and 40-foot container trucks.

Ham Nghi - Vung Ang Expressway passing through Ha Tinh. *Photo: Duc Hung*

The Vietnam Road Administration also advocates for transparency, recommending public disclosure of toll rates, collection methods, eligible payers, exemption and reduction policies, and all related regulations at every toll booth.

These North-South Expressway sections are currently operational but have not yet begun collecting tolls, though project management boards have already installed electronic toll collection (ETC) systems along each section.

This proposal follows a successful implementation of toll collection on five other North-South Expressway sections from the 2017-2020 phase, which began on 2/3. These sections include: Mai Son - National Highway 45, National Highway 45 - Nghi Son, Nghi Son - Dien Chau, Vinh Hao - Phan Thiet, and Phan Thiet - Dau Giay.

After more than two months of operation, the electronic toll collection system on these earlier sections has performed stably, ensuring smooth traffic flow and a significant reduction in accidents. By the end of April, nearly 6 million vehicles had utilized these routes, contributing over 580 billion VND in revenue to the state budget.

>>Expected toll rates on 13 North-South Expressway sections

Doan Loan