The Government Office announced on 31/7 the conclusions of Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha's meeting regarding investment research for expanding sections of the eastern North-South expressway under the PPP model.

The deputy prime minister agreed with the Ministry of Construction's proposal to expand the entire North-South expressway. The ministry will collaborate with investors of the three component projects already implemented under the PPP model to research expansion investment plans. For the remaining 15 projects already funded publicly, the Ministry of Construction will lead and coordinate with relevant agencies to prepare for investment under the PPP model.

The Phan Thiet - Dau Giay expressway has experienced several serious accidents. Photo: Phuoc Tuan

The Phan Thiet - Dau Giay expressway has experienced several serious accidents. Photo: Phuoc Tuan

The deputy prime minister assigned the Ministry of Construction to submit a report to the prime minister before 4/8 regarding the expansion investment plan, clarifying the legal, economic, planning, and standard bases. The report should also propose an optimal investment plan and any special mechanisms or policies for prompt implementation. The proposal should include a project preparation plan, investor selection process, construction, and timelines to ensure completion of the expansion between 2026 and 2030.

Recently, several transport infrastructure companies proposed participating in the expansion of the North-South expressway from 4 to 6 lanes using the PPP model. Son Hai Group proposed investing in the 263 km section from Hoai Nhon (Binh Dinh) to Nha Trang (Khanh Hoa). Deo Ca Group suggested expanding 19 component projects, totaling 1,241 km. Phuong Thanh Company wants to invest in over 200 km of the Vung Ang - Bung - Van Ninh and Phan Thiet - Dau Giay sections. Vidifi Company proposed upgrading six sections in the north, spanning 300 km.

According to Tran Chung, chairman of the Vietnam Association of Investors in Transport Works, given the limited budget and the need to focus on high-speed rail, urban rail, and infrastructure development in remote areas after 2025, mobilizing private capital for transport infrastructure investment is a reasonable and sustainable solution. The Ministry of Construction estimates that completing over 1,200 km of the eastern North-South expressway will require approximately 152,000 billion VND. If investment follows the PPP model, the private sector will bear most of this financial burden, allowing the state budget to allocate resources to projects in more challenging areas.

The eastern North-South expressway currently has 1,375 km with two to four lanes. Due to previous resource limitations, the current scale has not met traffic demands, posing risks of congestion and safety issues. The government has directed the Ministry of Construction to research expanding the entire route to six lanes, aiming to commence some component projects in December 2025.