HCMC – The Ministry of Transport is collaborating with Lam Dong and Khanh Hoa provinces to advance plans for the Nha Trang–Dalat expressway, a project aimed at improving connectivity between the Central Highlands and the coastal region.
Preparatory work for the expressway is expected to begin in 2024-2025, with construction slated to start in 2026. The 81-kilometer expressway will reduce travel time between Nha Trang and Dalat from 3.5-4 hours to just 1.5-2 hours.
The four-lane road is estimated to cost VND25.1 trillion and will be financed through a public-private partnership, with partial funding from the state budget.
Currently, National Highway 27C serves as the only route connecting the two cities. However, it is projected to become overloaded before 2030. The Khanh Le Pass, a winding 30-kilometer stretch, presents significant safety risks and frequent delays due to poor visibility and challenging terrain.
The expressway will start in Dien Tho Commune, Khanh Hoa Province, and end at Prenn Pass near Dalat City. It will feature five interchanges and accommodate speeds of 80-100 km/h, according to Ministry of Transport documents.
Local authorities have urged the Government to prioritize the project and allocate funding from the 2026-2030 medium-term central budget. Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha has emphasized the importance of expediting the planning process and instructed the Transport Ministry to work with investors and local governments to finalize project details and submit them for approval.
