HCMC – The Vietnam Expressway Corporation (VEC) has proposed a toll rate of VND2,000 per kilometer for standard vehicles on the Ben Luc–Long Thanh Expressway to recover investment capital and ensure stable operation of the project.
The proposal has been submitted to the Ministry of Construction, reported the Government news website (baochinhphu.vn).
The nearly-58-kilometer expressway connects the southeastern and southwestern regions of Vietnam, and links major infrastructure facilities including Long Thanh International Airport, industrial parks, and key seaports.
The project got off the ground in 2014 at an initial cost of VND31.3 trillion, later adjusted down to over VND29.5 trillion. Funding came from official development assistance (ODA) provided by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Asian Development Bank (ADB), along with domestic counterpart capital.
Construction has faced multiple delays due to policy and funding obstacles. However, several sections have been completed. Since February, two sections have been temporarily opened to traffic. The entire route is scheduled for completion in 2026.
VEC emphasized the urgency of implementing toll collection to maintain financial sustainability and repay ODA loans. Toll revenue is also critical to fund operations and maintenance of this and other expressways managed by VEC.
According to the company, failure to introduce tolls could disrupt the financial plan for all five expressway projects under its management, potentially compromising debt repayment and traffic safety due to limited maintenance funding.
The proposed rate of VND2,000 per kilometer aligns with a financial plan approved by the Ministry of Construction. It is designed to balance user affordability and corporate financial needs. VEC also suggested revising the toll every three years, with a proposed increase of 12% each time.
Vehicle classification for toll rates will follow Decree 130/2024, and the tolling schedule will be publicly announced in accordance with Circular 34/2024 on road toll operations.
The expressway spans HCMC, Long An, and Dong Nai provinces. It consists of four traffic lanes and two emergency lanes, with a maximum speed limit of 100 kilometers per hour. It plays a key role in enhancing regional connectivity between the southeastern and southwestern provinces.
