Preliminary calculations by the Department of Construction indicate that the largest saving, approximately 14,000 billion dong, comes from component project 2, which passes through Ho Chi Minh City. Component project 6, traversing Binh Duong, will see a reduction of about 1,735 billion dong, while the section through Dong Nai will save approximately 15 billion dong.

Project developers will continue to review and update data to accurately determine the saved capital. This will precede a report to competent authorities for consideration and approval of an effective utilization plan for these funds.

A section of the Beltway 3 viaduct in eastern Ho Chi Minh City was paved in 4/2026. *Photo: Giang Anh*

Local authorities are expected to propose using these funds to complete the Tan Van interchange and upgrade over 15 km of the My Phuoc - Tan Van section. This segment is already finished but not yet fully synchronized with the rest of the route.

The National Assembly approved the Ho Chi Minh City Beltway 3 project with a total investment of over 75,300 billion dong, sourced from both central and local budgets. The route spans more than 76 km, connecting Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Duong, Dong Nai, and Long An (now part of Tay Ninh). Phase one involves investing in a four-lane expressway with a design speed of 80 km/h, complemented by parallel roads on both sides.

Route map of three Ho Chi Minh City Beltways; the dashed portion represents the Ben Luc - Long Thanh expressway. *Graphics: Hoang Thanh*

Construction on the project began in 6/2023, with initial completion anticipated by mid-2026. However, prolonged difficulties in material sourcing and a sharp increase in input costs have caused delays in many sections. Consequently, the target for the entire route's completion has shifted to late 2026.

Despite these challenges, some sections may open earlier than planned. Nearly 40 km of the main expressway is expected to open to traffic by late September this year.

As a key national infrastructure initiative, Beltway 3 plays a vital role in enhancing inter-regional transport connectivity. It aims to foster socio-economic development for Ho Chi Minh City and the entire Southern key economic region.

Giang Anh