HCMC – Authorities have proposed developing the western North-South Expressway section connecting Pleiku, Buon Ma Thuot and Gia Nghia under a public-private partnership (PPP), with a total length of more than 257 kilometers and four lanes.
The transport infrastructure project is expected to become a backbone corridor for improving logistics, facilitating economic connectivity and linking the Central Highlands’ high-value agricultural centers with the country’s seaport network.
The proposal was among the key outcomes of recent discussions between the Ministry of Construction and leaders of the provinces of Gia Lai, Dak Lak and Lam Dong on an investment plan for the project.
Under the proposal submitted by Duc Long Gia Lai Group, the expressway would pass through the three provinces. Phase 1 would have a design speed of 100 kilometers per hour and require an estimated VND77 trillion.
The road would begin at National Highway 19 in Hoi Phu Ward of Gia Lai Province and connect at its southern end to the Gia Nghia–Chon Thanh Expressway in Nhan Co Commune of Lam Dong Province.
Given the project’s technical complexity, local authorities and the Ministry of Construction agreed to recommend that the prime minister designate the ministry as the competent state agency to lead project preparation and implementation. The provinces would also be required to commit reciprocal funding.
The decision to accelerate development of the strategic expressway before 2030 comes as Central Highlands localities seek new growth space following last year’s provincial mergers.
The project is intended to advance implementation of Vietnam’s road network plan for 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050, under relevant Government decisions.
The expressway is expected to be completed within a maximum of four years, including six months to one year for investment preparation procedures and three years for construction and commissioning.
