The Ministry of Construction is responsible for leading the study and reporting to the Prime Minister before 15/3.

Previously, Sun Group proposed that the government allow a study into investing in the Quang Ngai - Mang Den expressway section, part of the Quang Ngai - Kon Tum route. This 82 km section runs through Quang Ngai province, starting at Nguyen Nghiem commune, connecting to the Eastern North-South Expressway, and ending at Mang Den commune.

The route will feature four lanes, with a width of 22-24 m. The preliminary total investment is approximately 25,100 billion dong, to be implemented under a public-private partnership (PPP) model with a build-transfer (BT) contract.

In late 2025, Quang Ngai province also recommended that the government switch the investment method for the Quang Ngai - Mang Den section from public investment to a build-transfer (BT) contract, with implementation from 2025 to 2029.

Quang Ngai province further proposed that the Prime Minister consider assigning the province as the investor for the Mang Den - Dak Ha section, the final segment of the Quang Ngai - Kon Tum expressway. This section is approximately 54 km long, will have four lanes, and requires an estimated total investment of 18,900 billion dong. The implementation period is from 2026-2030, using public investment.

The planned route of the Quang Ngai - Kon Tum expressway passing through Mang Den. *Graphics: Dang Hieu*

The Quang Ngai - Kon Tum expressway is included in the Road Network Master Plan for 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050. Spanning 136 km, it is slated for completion before 2030. The route is designed with four full lanes, a roadbed width of 22-24,7 m, and a design speed of 80-100 km/h.

Mang Den, located midway along the Quang Ngai - Kon Tum expressway, is a famous tourist area, often called a "miniature Da Lat". It boasts primary forests, lakes, waterfalls, pine forests, and a cool climate. However, the area's potential has not been fully realized, partially due to inconvenient transportation.

According to the Quang Ngai Provincial People's Committee, investing in the expressway through Mang Den would create the shortest and most convenient road link to Kon Tum province. This investment aligns with the Politburo's policy for developing the Central Highlands region, addressing infrastructure weaknesses and regional connectivity. The route would also help realize the Bo Y - Kon Tum - Mang Den - Quang Ngai economic corridor.

Anh Duy