A significant infrastructure project, the Pleiku - Buon Ma Thuot - Gia Nghia expressway, is proposed for investment and completion before 2030. This nearly 258 km route, estimated to cost 77,000 billion VND, aims to connect key regions of the Central Highlands under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.

Minister of Construction Tran Hong Minh highlighted the expressway's crucial role during a meeting on 25/5. He stated that the route would not only stimulate economic growth in the Central Highlands but also improve the connection of agricultural goods to seaports, thereby fostering regional linkages. Emphasizing its importance as a "backbone" route for socio-economic development, national defense, and security, the Minister underscored the necessity of investing in this project before 2030.

According to a study by Truong Son Consulting Joint Stock Company, the Pleiku - Buon Ma Thuot - Gia Nghia expressway would span approximately 57 km through Gia Lai, 126 km through Dak Lak, and 75 km through Lam Dong. The expressway would begin by connecting with National Highway 19 in Bau Can commune, Gia Lai province, and conclude by linking with the Gia Nghia - Chon Thanh expressway and National Highway 14 in Nhan Co commune, Lam Dong province.

Initial plans propose a full 4-lane expressway with a 24,75 m wide roadbed and a design speed of 100 km/h, requiring an estimated preliminary investment of nearly 77,000 billion VND. The Minister approved the principle of studying investment under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. He also assigned specialized units to guide businesses in finalizing their investment proposal reports.

Simulation of the Pleiku - Buon Ma Thuot - Gia Nghia expressway route.

Leaders from Gia Lai, Dak Lak, and Lam Dong provinces proposed that the Ministry of Construction serve as the competent state agency to implement the project, ensuring synchronized progress and technical standards. Local authorities also committed to coordinating site clearance, resettlement, and allocating additional budget for the project.

The Pleiku - Buon Ma Thuot - Gia Nghia expressway forms a section of the planned 1,205 km Western North-South Expressway, which will traverse 15 provinces and cities. This larger route begins where it intersects National Highway 2 in An Tuong ward, Tuyen Quang province, and ends by connecting with the Ha Tien - Rach Gia - Bac Lieu expressway in Chau Thanh commune, An Giang province.

Anh Duy